New York becomes the sixth state to legalize human composting after death.
In the United States, New York becomes the sixth state to legalize human post-mortem compost, following its authorization by state governor Kathy Hochul this Sunday, January 1.
Transforming one’s body into humus for the good of the planet is an alternative to cremation and burial. To do this, the remains must be handed over to a cemetery company that specializes in organic reduction. The deceased is then placed in a reusable, half-opened container containing suitable bedding, our colleagues at BFMTV report.
The delicate issue of funeral practices
Before authorizing this process, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul was faced with a dilemma, recalls the Keeper. “Composting is a process generally used for domestic or agricultural waste, and does not offer the respect due to the deceased”, the Catholic Conference of this state was indignant in a press release last November.
The first state to legalize human composting in 2019 was Washington. It was quickly followed by that of Colorado and Oregon in 2021. Then Vermont and California later in 2022.
