Human composting, known in law as natural organic reduction (NOR) and also called terramation or soil transformation, is one of the fastest-spreading eco-friendly death care options in the United States. Over several weeks it gently transforms a body into nutrient-rich soil that families can use to nourish a garden, a tree, or conservation land. It is not yet legal everywhere. This tracker shows where human composting is legal in 2026, where facilities are actually operating, which states have bills pending, and how families can still choose it if their own state has not legalized it.
Last updated: September 2026. Human composting laws change quickly. Always confirm the current status with a licensed provider before making arrangements. For how the process works, what it costs, and provider profiles, see our complete guide to human composting.
Quick answer: how many states allow human composting?
As of September 2026, human composting is legal in 14 U.S. states: Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, Maine, Georgia, and New Jersey. Washington was the first, in 2019, and New Jersey the most recent, in September 2025. California’s law does not take effect until January 1, 2027. At least 15 more states have introduced bills, and in 2026 Oklahoma’s legislature passed one before it was vetoed.
Where is human composting legal? State-by-state (2026)
Legalization often runs ahead of facility construction, so the table shows both the year each law was signed and whether families can currently use an in-state facility. State names link to our funeral guide for that state.
| State | Signed into law | Availability (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 2019 (first state; in effect May 2020) | Several facilities operating, including Recompose (Seattle), Return Home (Auburn), Earth Funeral, and Herland Forest |
| Colorado | 2021 | In-state service available (The Natural Funeral, Arvada); also served by national providers |
| Oregon | 2021 | Legal; served by regional providers |
| Vermont | 2022 (in effect January 2023) | Sacred Soil, New England’s first operational NOR facility |
| California | 2022 | Law takes effect January 1, 2027; until then families use out-of-state facilities |
| New York | 2022 | Legal; no in-state facility yet (at least one in development); served by out-of-state providers |
| Nevada | 2023 | Earth Funeral facility operating in Las Vegas |
| Arizona | 2024 | NORAZ facility operating in Phoenix |
| Maryland | 2024 | Earth Funeral facility in Elkridge opened May 2026, the largest in the country |
| Delaware | 2024 | Legal; served by regional providers |
| Minnesota | 2024 (in effect July 1, 2025) | Legal; served by out-of-state providers while in-state capacity develops |
| Maine | 2024 | Legal; served by regional providers |
| Georgia | 2025 (in effect July 1, 2025) | First Southern state. First in-state facility (A.S. Turner & Sons) was awaiting state certification in July 2026 |
| New Jersey | 2025 (signed September 2025) | Law in effect from mid-2026; served by national providers while in-state facilities are built |
What changed in 2025 and 2026
- New Jersey became the 14th state (September 2025). Gov. Phil Murphy signed A-4085/S-3007, allowing natural organic reduction through licensed funeral homes and facilities. The law took effect about ten months after signing.
- Georgia and Minnesota laws took effect (July 1, 2025). Georgia became the first state in the South to allow NOR.
- The East Coast’s first facility opened in Maryland (May 2026). Earth Funeral’s 37,000-square-foot facility in Elkridge is designed to hold up to 126 vessels.
- New England’s first facility opened in Vermont, and Georgia’s first in-state facility was awaiting certification as of July 2026.
- Oklahoma bill vetoed (May 2026). HB 3660 passed the House 59–37 and the Senate 28–18, but was vetoed on May 12, 2026.
- Illinois bill stalled (2026). HB 5425 passed the House 64–36 on April 17, 2026, but did not receive a Senate vote before the session ended. The Catholic Conference of Illinois and the state’s cemetery and funeral home association opposed it.
- Rhode Island bill stalled (2026). H7070, which would also have legalized water cremation, passed the House on May 28, 2026, but stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
States with pending human composting legislation
Bills to legalize NOR have been introduced, carried over, or are expected to return in Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Recent activity includes:
- Ohio: HB 591, introduced in late 2025, has had several committee hearings.
- Texas: HB 2200 is expected to return in the next legislative session.
- Utah: SB 49 was introduced in January 2026.
- Massachusetts and Tennessee: bills were revised or reintroduced in 2026, with new sponsors added.
- Illinois, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island: each passed at least one chamber in 2026 and is likely to try again.
Expect this list to change every legislative session. We update this tracker as bills are signed, vetoed, or take effect.
Can you use human composting if your state hasn’t legalized it?
Often, yes. The process takes place at a licensed facility, not at your local funeral home, so families in states that have not legalized NOR can usually still choose it by having their loved one transported to a facility in a state where it is legal. The soil can then be returned to the family or donated to a conservation project. Recompose, for example, reports that about one in five of the people it serves come from out of state.
Most providers arrange this transport as part of their service, working with a local funeral home to obtain permits. The body must not be embalmed, and out-of-state transport usually adds to the cost. Our guide to transporting a body between states explains how interstate transfers work, and our human composting guide covers how to arrange human composting step by step.
Why is human composting illegal in some states?
In most states, human composting is not so much banned as not yet authorized. Existing law only recognizes burial and cremation (and, in some states, water cremation), so a new statute is needed to permit NOR and set licensing rules. Where bills have stalled, it is usually because the option is still unfamiliar to lawmakers, because religious organizations such as state Catholic conferences object, or because cemetery and funeral associations raise regulatory concerns. Oklahoma’s 2026 veto shows that passing both chambers is not always enough. Even so, the overall trend has been steadily toward legalization. Our guide looks at how the funeral industry and religious groups view human composting.
Rules that vary by state
Even where NOR is legal, each state sets its own rules for licensing facilities and for what families can do with the soil. Some restrict selling the soil, combining the remains of more than one person, or using the soil to grow food. Your provider will explain the rules that apply. For what families typically do with the soil, see what happens to the soil in our guide.
Human composting vs other green options
Human composting is one of several sustainable alternatives to conventional burial and flame cremation. If it is not yet available where you live, you may also want to compare:
- Water cremation (aquamation): legal in 26 states. See our water cremation legality tracker, water cremation costs, and aquamation provider directory.
- Green and natural burial: available in most states. Find a natural burial ground in our green burial directory.
- Mushroom coffins, burial suits, and urns: biodegradable options for a greener burial.
- Our complete guide to human composting, including how the process works, what it costs, and the leading providers.
Frequently asked questions
How many states allow human composting?
As of September 2026, 14 U.S. states have legalized human composting (natural organic reduction): Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, Maine, Georgia, and New Jersey.
Which state legalized human composting first?
Washington, in 2019. The law took effect in May 2020, and Herland Forest became the first licensed facility that June.
Can I choose human composting if it isn’t legal in my state?
Usually, yes. Providers can arrange for a loved one to be transported to a facility in a state where it is legal, then return the soil to your family. Ask any human composting provider whether they serve your state.
When will human composting be available in California?
California legalized NOR in 2022 (AB 351), but the law takes effect on January 1, 2027. Until then, Californians can use facilities in Washington, Nevada, and other states.
Is human composting available in New Jersey yet?
New Jersey’s law was signed in September 2025 and took effect in mid-2026. In-state facilities are still being developed, so families are currently served by national providers.
Is human composting legal in Oklahoma or Illinois?
Not yet. Oklahoma’s legislature passed HB 3660 in 2026, but it was vetoed in May 2026. Illinois’ HB 5425 passed the House in April 2026 but stalled in the Senate. Both states are expected to see new bills.
Looking for costs, the process, or what happens to the soil? Those are covered in our complete human composting guide.
This tracker is updated regularly, but legislation moves fast. Before making any arrangements, confirm the current legal status and provider availability directly with a licensed human composting provider serving your state.
