New Human Composting Facility Opens Near DC

Axios reports that a major human composting facility has recently been established in Elkridge, Maryland, close to the capital. Earth Funeral’s new site spans around 36,000 square feet and is equipped to handle 56 composting containers. CEO Tom Harries shared with Axios that the company aims to increase its production capacity and expand nationwide.

The opening was announced on Facebook on May 5th. Currently, human composting is legal in 14 states, and Oklahoma nearly joined that list this year. However, Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that would have made it legal, as noted by News 9.

Described as a sustainable option to traditional end-of-life practices like cremation or burial, human composting involves decomposing remains mixed with organic materials to achieve the right nitrogen and carbon balance. This method is sometimes referred to as “soil transport,” according to Earth Funeral’s website.

In response to the new facility, Republican state Rep. Jim Shaw voiced his concerns, suggesting that the process of converting human bodies into compost should be unsettling for many. He expressed his own reservations, which seem to stem from a sense of respect for the deceased.

A retired Air Force colonel, who discovered Earth Funeral while reviewing estate plans, mentioned intentions to advocate for composted remains at Arlington National Cemetery. He emphasized the need to honor military veterans, questioning how the practice aligns with that respect.

Shaw articulated concerns about how society perceives the dead and cautioned against viewing humans as simply raw materials. He stated, “At the end of the day, how we treat the dead largely determines what we believe as a society. We need to be very careful about viewing people as or turning them into products.”

Earth Funeral’s services take approximately 45 days and cost around $6,000 on average. Families can then choose to keep or donate the about 300 pounds of soil produced.

When addressing possible religious or moral concerns about human composting, CEO Tom Harries indicated that the company focuses on offering choices. “Soil amendment is an option, an environmental alternative to burial or cremation, and not a requirement,” he stated, inviting dialogue from those interested in exploring more eco-friendly death care options.