Human composting Virginia

Human Composting in Virginia

Earth offers Virginians human composting, a sustainable, low-impact choice rooted in care for the environment and planet. Serving Alexandria, Culpepper, Manassas, Quantico, and Warrenton, plus communities statewide, we help residents of the Commonwealth choose an eco-friendly alternative to conventional burial or cremation.

Cremation alternatives in Virginia

How human composting works in Virginia

Modern, eco-friendly Virginia funeral home

Earth understands how difficult it is to make plans after a death. That's why we offer a seamless, green funeral option you can arrange online or by phone, with our expert Care Team there to guide 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, 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, serving Virginia families through trusted local partners. Each space is designed for expert care, with proprietary vessels powered by 100% renewable energy and monitored for temperature, moisture, and airflow. When Virginians choose Earth, our Care Team coordinates bringing your loved one into our care, oversees the complete soil transformation process, and organizes the return and donation of soil.
Tour a facility online

Supporting land conservation

Each Virginia soil transformation creates a cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil. After families keep what they want, the remaining soil can be donated to local and regional conservation projects to strengthen critical habitats.

For Virginians who find their calm on the Chesapeake Bay, along the James River, in the Shenandoah Valley, or on Blue Ridge trails, choosing a return to soil can feel like a way to give back.

View conservation projects

The Earth package

Our Earth package covers the essential services Virginia families need after a death. From the moment you contact us, our Care Team oversees the entire human composting process through soil return or donation.

This includes everything you need in Virginia, 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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Guidance whenever you need it

Commonwealth families reach out at different moments, from an unexpected loss to planning ahead. Wherever you are in that process, our Care Team offers support, answers questions, and guides next steps.

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.

Serving each Virginia family like our own

With Earth's 2,000+ five-star reviews, people in Virginia 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

Virginia counties served

From Albemarle to Rappahannock counties, Earth serves families statewide. We work with licensed partners and transport providers in the areas listed. If your county is not listed, contact our Care Team to confirm what is possible in your area.

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

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In many cases, yes. Earth serves families across the Commonwealth, including counties such as Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. If you’re unsure whether we can help in your specific city or county, contact our Care Team, and they’ll confirm what’s possible based on where you live in the state and your timeline.

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Is human composting legal in Virginia?

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No. Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction or soil transformation, is not yet legal in Virginia. Still, Virginia families can choose human composting with Earth. Our Care Team works with licensed funeral homes and transport providers to bring your loved one into our care locally and coordinate transfer to the nearest facility where soil transformation is permitted. We’ll guide you step by step so you know what to expect.

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What can my family do with the soil in Virginia?

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Each transformation produces about a cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil. Many families keep a portion for something meaningful, like a memorial garden, houseplants, or planting a tree. If you prefer not to keep all of the soil, Earth can help arrange for the remainder to be donated to approved conservation or restoration partners.

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Can I plan ahead for myself or with a partner?

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Yes. You can set up plans in advance for yourself or together with a partner. Planning ahead gives you time to make clear decisions, explore prepaid options if available, and share your wishes so loved ones are not left guessing later.

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Why do so many families in Virginia choose Earth for human composting?

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Virginia families choose Earth because the process is low impact and easy to set up, with a Care Team that stays in close communication. We coordinate paperwork and transport, share clear updates, and provide respectful care from first contact through soil return or donation. We are honored to serve families across the Commonwealth.