New Jersey Legalizes Human Composting: Are You Digging It?

What is Human Composting?

Human composting is when a person’s body is gently broken down by nature after death and turned into soil instead of being buried or cremated.

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Human Composting Is Now Legal in New Jersey

According to a recent article by NJ Digest, "New Jersey just became the 14th state to legalize human composting, giving NJ residents an alternative to traditional burials or cremation."

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed the measure. The new "human composting" law takes effect in 2026, "allowing funeral homes and licensed facilities to prepare for offering human composting as a service".

A New Option for Final Rest: Human Composting Comes to NJ

A person’s body is placed in a container filled with natural materials, such as wood chips, straw, or alfalfa. Over several weeks, microbes and heat break the corpse down, turning it into nutrient-rich soil that can be used around your home or for plants, trees, etc.

So my question is, do you like this "green" option for your loved ones? I must be honest and in full disclosure, I don't like this idea for me, but to each his own, literally. It just is unnerving to me to have loved ones decaying in a box and then being turned into mulch. It takes a month or two for them to turn, and then you can pick them up. I assume in a soil bag? Like I said, though, if you love this idea, go for it.

I plan to be cremated when I pass. Then my ashes to be placed at Giants Stadium next to Jimmy (I Jest). But don't worry, I'm not planning to go anywhere anytime soon. I will not end up being a big fat tomato in my wife's garden, though, no composting Shawniemikes!