Considering post-life possibilities is a basic step in creating any estate plan. During this process, many clients indicate an interest in green burials or being repurposed in an outwardly productive way after death. In Seattle, a company called “Recompose” is offering an opportunity to do just that.

Recompose defines recomposition as “natural organic reduction,” in which human remains are gradually and sustainably turned into soil. This process turns a single human body in a few wheelbarrows of compost that are used to power Recompose’s green facilities. The remainders of these remains are giving to family members and can be used for any other purpose that the deceased individual may have requested.

Many people interested in recomposition already have an idea of how they want to give back after death, such as being used to grow trees, flowers, or food to serve future generations. For those that are more unsure or have no preference, Recompose investors are in talks to create a sustainable community near Battle Ground, Washington, in which excess recomposed soil would be used to “heal” the land.

This process is legal in Washington State due to Senate Bill 5001, signed into effect on May 1^st of this year, legalizing “the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil.” You can even have your body transported to Seattle from out of state or the country and may be an organ donor first.

Recompose is tentatively set to open its doors in the spring of 2021. Their current quote for a full recomposition is around $5,500. 

For a more in-depth look into your disposition options after death, please check out our third post in last year’s Halloween blog series.

DISCLAIMER: This is not an ad or endorsement of Recompose. Britton Law Group, P.C. is not affiliated with this company in any way.

B.B.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Brittany Britton is licensed to practice law in the state of California only.