Human composting New York

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.

Cremation alternatives in New York

How human composting works in New York

Earth Funeral's biodegradable human composting container

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

Modern, eco-friendly support for New York families

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, and our online Portal.

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State-of-the-art facilities

Earth owns and operates a state-of-the-art human composting facility in Elkridge, Maryland, designed for expert care, where loved ones rest in a proprietary vessel powered by renewable energy and closely monitored for temperature, moisture, and airflow. For New York families, our New York funeral establishment handles the ship-out, and our Care Team coordinates transport to our Maryland facility for the soil transformation.
Tour a facility online

Supporting land conservation

Each soil transformation produces 200-300 lbs of organic soil. Soil can be donated to one of our regional conservation partners, or families can have it shipped to them to spread at the New York cemetery of their choice.

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.

View conservation projects

The Earth package

Coming in June 2026: 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
Get an instant quote

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.

Imminent need

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

Earth Prepaid

For individuals and couples planning for the future.

Working with each New York family like our own

With Earth's 2,300+ five-star reviews, families in New York are finding comfort in our environmentally conscious end-of-life alternative.

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

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In many cases, yes. Earth works with families across the Empire State by routing soil transformation through our Maryland facility in Elkridge, MD. If you’re unsure whether we can help in your specific county, verify your Service Area or contact our Care Team to confirm what’s possible based on where you live and your timeline.

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Is human composting legal in New York?

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Yes. Human composting was signed into NY law in 2022. Earth’s New York funeral establishment handles transportation, and the soil transformation is carried out at our licensed Maryland facility. If you have questions about how the law applies to your situation, contact our Care Team.

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

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Under New York law, the soil from a soil transformation must end up in a cemetery — it cannot be kept at home for a memorial garden or houseplants. Families can have the soil shipped to them to spread at the New York cemetery of their choice, or it can be donated to one of our regional conservation partners. The ship-out is handled by our New York funeral establishment, and the soil transformation takes place at our Maryland facility.

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

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Earth handles transportation through licensed funeral homes and carriers (including our own). We arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care and transferred to our East Coast Earth facility for soil transformation. Our Care Team will explain each step so you know what to expect.

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Can I plan ahead for myself or with a partner?

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Not at this time. Earth is working to bring pre-planning options to New York residents in 2026.