Human Composting in New York

Earth provides New York families a gentle way to return to nature. Our human composting process offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. Whether in New York City, Buffalo, Albany, Hudson Valley, or a town in between, we support residents who want their last act to give back.

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How human composting works in New York

Human composting, also known as soil transformation, terramation, or natural organic reduction, is a 45-day process that delicately turns a body into life-giving soil. During the time, your loved one rests in a proprietary vessel with natural materials where the transformation takes place. When the process is complete, our Care Team will help you decide how much soil you’d like to keep or have donated.

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The Empire State was the sixth state to legalize soil transformation, acknowledging it as a sustainable, green alternative. Earth is committed to offering New York residents, no matter the borough, a way to care for the environment in the same way they do during their lives, even in their final wishes.

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Earth Funeral's biodegradable human composting container

How can I choose human composting as a New York resident?

Although Earth does not currently have a human composting facility in New York, we are still able to serve your needs.

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Through partnerships with local funeral homes, we can arrange transport of your loved one to the nearest Earth facility, while coordinating the entire process.

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Modern, eco-friendly New York funeral home

In New York, it can be hard to slow down and think through end-of-life plans. Earth offers a green funeral option you can handle online at any time or by phone, with support from our Care Team.

Eco-friendly

Our process produces no net CO2, versus the 535 lbs of CO2 produced by the average cremation (equivalent to a 600+ mile car journey).

Online convenience

Make arrangements in less than 15 minutes, manage everything online with the Earth Portal, and share obituaries with family and friends.

Exceptional care

Our Care Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We update you at each stage of the process via email, SMS, or via our online Portal.

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State-of-the-art facilities

Earth owns and operates state-of-the-art human composting facilities designed for expert care, serving New York families through trusted local partners. Each space is designed for expert care, where loved ones rest in a proprietary vessel powered by 100% renewable energy and closely monitored for temperature, moisture, and airflow. Our Care Team coordinates transport to our facility, oversees the soil transformation, and arranges for the soil to be returned or donated.

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Supporting land conservation

Each soil transformation produces a cubic yard of organic soil. After New York families receive the amount they wish to keep, Earth works with conservation partners to donate the remaining soil to projects that restore and protect natural areas.

For Empire State residents who care about places like the Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes, and neighborhood parks across the five boroughs, knowing their final act contributes to healthier landscapes offers peace of mind.

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The Earth package

Our Earth package covers the essential services New York families need in the days after a death, with our Care Team guiding each step and managing everything from first contact through soil return.

This includes everything you need in New York, taking place in the days immediately following the passing.

Services of a licensed funeral director
Collection & care from place of passing
Filing of all necessary paperwork & permits
An Earth soil transformation
The soil returned to your family
Manage everything in our online portal

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Here when you need us

Every family moves through loss in their own way and on their timeline. For people who call New York home, our Care Team is there with compassionate guidance whenever you need support.

Immediate need

For families who have recently lost a loved one.

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Imminent need

For families expecting a loved one to pass in the next 6 months.

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Earth Prepaid

For individuals and couples planning for the future.

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Serving each New York family like our own

With Earth's 2,000+ five-star reviews, people in New York are finding comfort in our environmentally conscious end-of-life alternative.

In thinking about what I want for my body after I die, I didn’t want it to be a chemicalized waste of space in an overpriced piece of real estate with a view. The idea of being turned into compost for my loved ones to grow something from my remains was a beautiful idea. Earth made enrolling in a prepayment plan very easy. They answered all of my questions and sent plenty of information to share with my loved ones.

I highly recommend them for your green burial alternative to traditional burial practices.

Jonny C., Nevada

This was the easiest decision I have ever made on a topic that is the hardest to discuss with family members. Earth - Green Funeral Home made the process simple, answered all my questions, and even accommodated an add-on service with ease and no complications.

Joni F., Washington

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New York human composting FAQs

Can I use Earth’s human composting service if I live anywhere in New York?

Is human composting legal in New York?

What can my family do with the soil if we live in New York?

How does transport work if there’s no human composting facility in New York?

Can I plan ahead for myself or with a partner?