New York Human Composting | Green & Natural Burial, Terramation

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.

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For New York families, the service takes place in two parts: our New York funeral establishment handles the transportation from New York, and our Maryland funeral establishment and facility carries out the soil transformation. Our Care Team coordinates both ends so the process feels seamless to your family.

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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 working with New York residents, no matter the borough, who want their final act to give back.

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Modern, eco-friendly support for New York families

For New Yorkers everywhere, from the city to the countryside, Earth offers a greener goodbye when the time comes. Arrange everything online whenever you're ready, or by phone with our Care Team alongside you.

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 roughly 250 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 June 2026: the Earth package brings together the essential services families need after a loss. Your Care Team guides each step, managing everything from first contact through soil return.

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Services of a licensed funeral director
Collection & care from place of passing
Filing of all necessary paperwork & permits
An Earth soil transformation provided by our Maryland-licensed facility
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.

Coming soon

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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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The process has been incredible, not only for ease, but for piece of mind during the moments after a loved one passes, having the time and space to grieve without the pressure of funeral arrangements was so freeing. I’ve already recommended earth funeral to many.

Sabriya E., Bronx County, NY

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The pricing was fair and reasonable, and the level of customer service provided was highly professional throughout the entire process. They were courteous, attentive, and respectful, creating a welcoming and comfortable experience. In addition, the services were explained in a clear and thorough manner, ensuring that all questions were addressed and that we fully understood the process for the remains. Overall, the experience reflected a strong commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction.