Understanding Terramation

Terramation is the process of transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil through controlled natural decomposition, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation.

At Return Home, the body is placed in a custom-designed vessel with natural materials like straw, alfalfa, and sawdust. This environment promotes microbial activity that gently transforms the body into soil over approximately 60-90 days in two phases.

Terramation is ruled out only in rare cases where the cause of death is a prion-related illness, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob, or a highly infectious disease, like Ebola. Additionally, bodies that have been embalmed are not able to be terramated.

Yes, we offer terramation services to residents of all 50 states and Canada by coordinating transportation to our Auburn, WA facility.

Our process completely transforms a body into fertile, usable soil within 60 days. This includes 30 days in an individual vessel, and an additional 30 days for the resulting soil to cure.

The Terramation process yields about 1.5 cubic yards of soil per body – 10-15 burlap bags full. The soil is nutrient-rich and fertile – a perfect amendment to gardens.

We will return any excess soil to The Woodland, which is a privately protected piece of land in need of revitalization to help restart the cycle of life.

You may pick up your soil directly from our facility. We can also arrange delivery for those living near our Auburn, WA facility or ship any specified amount of soil to you. Please note that separate charges apply for the shipping and delivery of soil. Return Home cannot be responsible for soil shipments once they leave our custody.

Terramated soil is exceptionally nutrient-rich and fertile. It is a perfect amendment to any natural area where you want to stimulate growth from gardens to the forest. Note that permission should be gained when placing terramated soil outside of your yard and gardens.