NSW passes human composting laws

New South Wales passed laws on Wednesday providing a third legal option for body treatment alongside burial and cremation. The practice is known as natural organic reduction, terramation or human composting.

How the process works

The body is placed in a temperature-controlled vessel with organic matter such as alfalfa, straw or mulch.

What the soil contains

After about thirty days resting, the vessel contains about one hundred ten kilograms of dry, rich soil that is fertile and free of pathogens, according to independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.

“about 110kg of "dry, rich soil that is fertile and free of pathogens"”

Libertarian MP backs the practice

Libertarian MP John Ruddick said he would likely choose terramation over burial or cremation when he dies. He said the idea of cremation or burial had always freaked him out.

“I am pretty sure that I will put in my will that I wish to be terramated”

Labor MP also supports the option

Labor MP Cameron Murphy said he looks forward to being able to utilise this service in the long-distant future after it becomes law.

“I look forward to being able to utilise this service in the long-distant future after it becomes law”

Environmental benefits highlighted

Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst said terramation could avoid the need for large burial plots and can be wholly carbon neutral, compared with cremation which is energy intensive and releases substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

Government has eighteen months to regulate

The bill passed on Wednesday gives the NSW government eighteen months to create regulations to control the practice, which would be limited to specialised facilities.