A Guide to Human Composting
An alternative option
Fill out the form to get your free copy of A Guide to Human Composting and learn all about this new offering. One of our associates will reach out to answer all your questions.
Make a different choice
Human composting closely imitates the natural cycle of life. This gentle process uses natural elements, such as wood chips, mulch and wildflowers, to convert a loved one’s body into nutrient-rich soil.
Honor yourself or a loved one
When you choose human composting, you also get the opportunity to plan a celebratory service. We’re experts at helping families create tributes that touch hearts and create indelible memories.
Help heal the planet
The human composting process yields about a half cubic yard of soil. Your family is welcome to take all of it home, but most families take only a small amount. The rest is used for forest restoration on the Olympic Peninsula.
How human composting works
The preparation
To prepare your loved one for transformation, we gently wash and dress them in a biodegradable shroud. We also give your loved one an identification pendant, so there’s never any doubt whom we’re with.
The vessel
Your loved one is placed on a layer of organic mulch and woodchip in a vessel designed especially for composting. Handpicked local wildflowers are scattered over your loved one before the vessel is sealed.
The science
With a little water, a little heat, and the careful balancing of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, we create the perfect conditions for naturally occurring microorganisms to break down the body and gently transform it into soil.
The soil
After about 45 days, the composting process is complete. Approximately a half cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil remains. Your family is welcome to take all of it home, but most families take only a small amount.