Washington residents could become the first people in the nation with the option of becoming “human compost” after they die.
The state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill allowing two new technologies for the environmentally friendly disposal of human remains – natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis.
Human composting involves covering a body with organic materials, like straw and wood chips, allowing it to break down over a few weeks. The result is a cubic yard of soil indistinguishable from other compost. The remnants could be taken home by family members, with the rest being scattered on conservation land around the Puget Sound.
Washington would be the first state in the country to allow the composting method while 19 states – including Idaho and Oregon – allow alkaline hydrolysis, which involves reducing a body with water and alkaline chemicals, similar to cremation. Advocates say both processes use less energy and produce significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional burial and cremation practices.
The bill passed the Senate 36-11 and was sent to the House, where a similar bill has passed through committee. (Spokesman-Review)
