Human Composting is Illegal in Michigan With One Loophole

With traditional burials facing scrutiny, some are finding peace in a greener option, human composting. Let's take a closer look.

What exactly is human composting, and why is it illegal in Michigan?

According to WebMD, human composting is the process of turning human remains into soil.

Human composting has increased in popularity over the last several years.  The environmental benefits are clear. Far less land use for burials, creating rich soil with human remains, and a decrease in embalming chemicals going into the earth and drinking water.

There's a huge financial benefit to human composting; on average, it costs half as much as a traditional burial.

Michiganders have many options, from traditional burial and natural burial to cremation.  However, human composting is currently illegal in Michigan. But there is a loophole.

Michiganders can use the human compost process in one of the 13 states where it's legal, they just can't do it here, according to BridgeMI.com.

Human Composting is Legal in Which 13 States?

• Washington - Legalized in 2019.
• Colorado - Legalized in 2021.
• Oregon - Legalized in 2021.
• Vermont - Legalized in 2022.
• California - Legalized in 2022.
• New York - Legalized in 2022.
• Nevada - Legalized in 2023.
• Arizona - Legalized in 2024.
• Maryland - Legalized in 2024.
• Delaware - Legalized in 2024.
• Minnesota - Legalized in 2024.
• Maine - Legalized in 2024.
• Georgia - Legalized in 2024.

READ MORE: Social Security Checks Could Be Smaller For Michigan Residents

There is a similar option that is legal in Michigan and costs even less: natural burials, also known as "green burials."  With a green burial, you are buried without embalming chemicals in a biodegradable container, according to Britannica.com.

What are Other Burial Alternatives?

• Cremation
• Natural burial
• Sea burial
• Mushroom burial
• Green burial
• Human composting
• Aquamation
• Space burial
• Traditional burial
• Biodegradable urns
• Donation to science
• Memorial diamonds
• Alkaline hydrolysis
• Birthday Memorial
• Body donation
• Cremation jewelry
• Eternal Reefs
• Plastination
• Promession
• Resomation
• Scattering ceremony
• Celebration of life
• Funeral Alternatives
• Tree pod burial