On September 12th, 2025, Governor Murphy legalized “natural organic reduction” making New Jersey the 14th state to permit the composting of human bodies as an alternative to traditional burial or cremation. While the Board of Mortuary Science has yet to issue regulations which will govern the process, funeral businesses are expected to become licensed and start offering this service, also known as “controlled supervised decomposition,” by July 2026.
Advocates state that human composting is environmentally friendly because it does not use toxic embalming chemicals, uses less energy, and releases less carbon into the atmosphere than cremation. It also requires less land and leaves less of a carbon footprint than traditional burial.
Human composting uses a closed reusable vessel, along with other organic materials, to encourage natural decomposition over a 30 to 45 day process. Approximately 1 cubic meter of nutrient rich soil is created to support the ecosystem. Safety protocols, consumer protections, as well as how and where the transformed soil can be utilized will be clarified in the regulations.
By contrast, a “green burial” involves alternative preservatives for embalming, the use of caskets and shrouds made from sustainable and biodegradable materials such as wicker and hemp, and a “natural” cemetery. According to the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, there are currently six cemeteries in New Jersey which accept green burials.
While some may object on religious grounds, Bill A4085/S3007 passed both houses with overwhelming bi-partisan support (37-2 Senate and 79-1 House) before signature into law. If you would like to make the Garden State just a little bit greener, we are happy to discuss modifications to your end of life directives to accomplish your goals.