RI House approves human composting bill, water cremation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Islanders could soon have two new environmentally friendly options for final arrangements after the House approved a bill that would legalize human composting and water cremation.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Michelle McGaw, would allow natural organic reduction, commonly known as human composting, and alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or aquamation.

If the proposal becomes law, licensed facilities in Rhode Island would be permitted to offer both services beginning Jan. 30, 2028.

What is human composting?

Natural organic reduction is a process that transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition.

Under the proposal, a body is placed in a specialized vessel filled with organic materials such as wood chips, straw and flowers. The vessel is kept in a controlled environment for approximately four to seven weeks while microorganisms break down the remains.

Once the process is complete, the resulting soil could be:

• Scattered in a designated garden cemetery.
• Placed in a grave, crypt or niche.
• Returned to the deceased person’s family.

Washington became the first state to legalize human composting in 2019. Since then, 13 additional states, including neighboring Maine and Vermont, have approved the practice.

What is water cremation?

The legislation would also legalize alkaline hydrolysis, often referred to as water cremation or aquamation.

Rather than using flames, the process uses heat, water, pressure and alkaline chemicals to accelerate natural decomposition. According to the legislation, the remaining liquid is sterile, contains no tissue or DNA, and may be discharged with other wastewater.

Water cremation is already legal in more than half of U.S. states.

Bill still faces Senate approval

McGaw said the legislation would give Rhode Islanders more environmentally conscious choices for end-of-life arrangements.

“Many people work to reduce their impact on the planet in life, and they should have the right to make a similar choice about what will happen at the end of their life,” McGaw said. “Many people are also uncomfortable with the environmental impacts of cremation and burial, and they may find peace in the prospect of going to their final resting place as part of the earth, helping to support life in the future.”

McGaw first introduced the proposal three years ago after hearing from constituents interested in the practice.

Although the House has approved similar legislation in each of the past two years, the bills stalled in the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee recently held this year’s proposal for further study, and it remains unclear whether the full Senate will vote on the measure before the legislative session ends.