Trenton, NJ – Gov. Phil Murphy has signed legislation allowing human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, as a legal alternative to burial and cremation in New Jersey. The move makes the Garden State one of a small but growing number of states to formally permit the environmentally friendly practice.
Assembly Bill 4085, passed by both chambers earlier this summer, updates state law to recognize the supervised decomposition of human remains into soil. The measure authorizes the State Board of Mortuary Science to regulate natural organic reduction facilities, including licensing requirements, oversight of operations, and health and safety rules.
Under the law, no facility may operate without annual registration and inspection by both the board and the Department of Environmental Protection. Regulations will address building standards, environmental protections such as minimum distances from drinking water wells, and mandatory supervision by licensed funeral directors or mortuary practitioners.
The bill also requires funeral directors to inform families, in writing, that cemeteries are an option for the placement of remains following composting. The New Jersey Cemetery Board will maintain an official list of cemeteries approved to accept such remains.
Committee amendments added before passage clarified the involvement of cemeteries, expanded regulatory authority to multiple state agencies, and required environmental inspections before facilities can open.
With Murphy’s signature, New Jersey joins states including Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and New York, where human composting has been legalized in recent years. Supporters cite reduced carbon emissions and land use compared with traditional burial or cremation, while opponents have raised ethical and religious concerns.
The law takes effect immediately, though it may take time for facilities to be established and licensed under the new framework.
Key Points
- Gov. Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4085 legalizing human composting in New Jersey.
- The law requires registration, inspection, and regulation of facilities by state boards and the DEP.
- Cemeteries may accept composted remains if listed by the New Jersey Cemetery Board.
In New Jersey, the choice for final rest now includes returning fully to the soil.
