Where is Human Composting legal?

People across the United States are joining the #IdRatherBeCompost movement. Many are asking, “Is human composting legal in my state?” Depending on which state you live in, your current local options might be starting with lobbying and voting for the legalization of Terramation. Terramation, also known as human composting and natural organic reduction, is a gentle and sustainable death care option.

Currently, there are seven states that have legalized Terramation; eight states have introduced legislation; four states have blocked the legalization of Terramation; and thirty-eight states have taken no action in regards to this sustainable death care option.

Find out where your state stands. And, if you’re in one of the 42 states that doesn’t provide its residents with a Terramation option, it’s time to get involved.

We’ll share easy ways to join the movement and how to bring Terramation to your state.

Is human composting legal in Washington?

Yes! Human composting is legal in Washington.

In May of 2020, Washington legalized Terramation with bipartisan support. It became available to the public in April of 2021. Currently there are a handful of funeral homes that provide human composting. And the world largest human composting site is also found in Washington – Return Home.

Is human composting legal in Colorado?

Yes! Human composting is legal in Colorado.

Colorado legalized Terramation in April of 2021, with the senate voting unanimously to pass SB21-006. They were the second state to legalize this sustainable death care option. The bill became law 90 days after governor Jared Polis signed it. The first human that was laid to rest after Terramation in Colorado was in March of 2022.

Is human composting legal in Oregon?

Yes! human composting is legal in Oregon.

Oregon was the third state to legalize Terramation. The legislation passed in 2021 and went into effect July of 2022. The state also legalized alkaline hydrolysis in the same legislation.

Is human composting legal in Vermont?

Yes! Human composting is legal in Vermont.

H.224 legalized terramation in the maple syrup state. The bill was co-sponsored by representative Carolyn Partridge. It was signed on May 12th, 2022 and went into effect in June of 2022.

Is human composting legal in California?

Yes! Human composting is legal in California.

In October of 2022, California legalized Terramation. They were the sixth state to do so. The legislation will take some time to take effect. Yet, organic reduction will be unavailable to Californians until the law goes into effect in 2027.

The bill had “been in the works” for three years, meaning it took California almost 10 years to pass Terramation legislation.

Is human composting legal in Illinois?
Not yet, but legislation has been introduced.

The bill is represented by Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) in February of 2022. But, it has yet to be assigned to a committee. If you feel passionate that Illinois should legalize Terramation, we recommend writing your representative and encouraging them to support and pass the bill.

Not sure where to start? Head to the bottom of this blog post where you can find a link to a templated letter to write your representatives.

Is human composting legal in Massachusetts

Not yet, but legislation has been introduced.

Jack Patrick Lewis and Representative Natalie Higgins co-sponsored H.4036. According to the Common Wealth of Massachusetts website, the house extended the reporting date until July 13th, 2022. Since then, no further updates have been made.

If you feel passionately that Massachusetts should legalize Terramation, we recommend writing your representative and encouraging them to support bills that would legalize this sustainable death care. There’s a link to a template for writing your representatives at the conclusion of this blog post.

Is human composting legal in New York?

Yes! Human composting is now legal in the state of New York.

The bill was introduced in the 2021-2022 general assembly and is sponsored by Leroy Comrie. It allows for the creation, operations, and duties of natural organic reduction facilities in the state. The bill was signed into law on December 30, 2022.

Is human composting legal in Maine?

No. Maine blocked the legalization of Terramation.

The ME LD1535 didn’t make it out of committee before termination. It was sponsored by Democrat Lynne Williams and Teresa Pierce.

If you feel passionately that Maine should legalize terramation, we recommend writing your representative and encouraging them to support bills that would legalize this sustainable death care. There’s a link to a template for writing your representatives in the conclusion of this blog post.

Is human composting legal in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota blocked the legalization of Terramation.

Minnesota legalized alkaline hydrolysis in 2003 but couldn’t gain the support needed to pass a terramation legalization bill at the beginning of 2022.

If you feel passionately that Minnesota should legalize terramation, we recommend writing your representative and encouraging them to support bills that would legalize this sustainable death care. There’s a link to a template for writing your representatives in the conclusion of this blog post.

Is human composting legal in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii blocked the legalization of Terramation.

Hawaii’s Terramation bill was introduced in the 2021 regular session. The bill was assigned to a committee, but after that was defeated. This could be because the bill wasn’t set to go into effect until the year 2060.

If you feel passionately that Hawaii should legalize Terramation, we recommend writing your representative and encouraging them to support bills that would legalize this sustainable death care. There’s a link to a template for writing your representatives in the conclusion of this blog post.

Is human composting legal in Delaware?

No. Delaware blocked the legalization of Terramation.

The bill was introduced in the 151st general assembly in April of 2021. It was later signed to the Health and Human Development committee. Shortly after it was either vetoed or failed to move into cross over.

If you feel passionately that Delaware should legalize Terramation, we recommend writing your representative and encouraging them to support bills that would legalize this sustainable death care.

How can I help legalize human composting in my state?
Everyone deserves the right to choose which death care is best for them and their personal beliefs. For those who want to give back as their final act, and want a sustainable death care option, Terramation is the perfect fit.

The most recent legalizations of Terramation have taken place over the last two years. There is still a lot of work to do to bring Terramation to the 43 states it’s not currently legal in.

Ready to take action for your community, and your rights?

Use the form below to fill out the short form on the right side of the page to receive your legislation letter. You can also send this link to a loved one in another state who might feel called to fight for Terramation in their state, too.

If Terramation is legal in your state, read about choosing the right funeral home and the importance of funeral pre-planning.