TULSA, Okla. — The Oklahoma Legislature has approved a bill that will allow funeral directors in the state to offer a composting method for human remains, a practice already used in some other states.
This new process, which was passed in House Bill 3660, enables families to choose a more natural and environmentally friendly way to handle their loved ones’ remains after death.
What is Human Remains Composting?
The process involves placing the remains of the deceased inside a sealed vessel, along with organic material. The vessel is then heated for 72 hours, and the contents are allowed to naturally decompose over several weeks.
After the decomposition process, the remains are reduced to soil, which can be used to nourish plants, trees, or other natural growth, offering families an option for environmentally conscious burial.
The material can then be dispersed at the family’s discretion, in a manner similar to the handling of cremated remains.
Funeral Industry’s Response
Jerry Dillon, the owner of Dillon Funeral Service, which operates in Tulsa, expressed his support for the new composting method. Dillon already offers a “green burial” option, where remains are buried without embalming or a sealed container, allowing natural decomposition underground at Woodland Cemetery in Sand Springs.
Dillon welcomes the composting option as an alternative for families seeking an environmentally friendly way to handle the remains of their loved ones.
“The end result is decomposition, but the process is different,” Dillon explained. “We welcome alternative choices for families.”
House Bill 3660 and Its Legislative Journey
The debate over House Bill 3660 centered on whether the composting method contradicted certain religious beliefs and whether it was part of a broader environmental movement linked to states that supported Joe Biden’s presidency.
Some legislators argued that the practice was anti-Christian and part of a radical trend. However, supporters of the bill contended that it provided families with a less expensive, more natural alternative to traditional funeral options such as cremation or burial with a casket.
The bill was passed in the Senate and later in the House of Representatives with a vote of 58-35, and it has now been sent to the governor for final approval.
Regulations and Licensing
If the bill is signed into law, it will regulate the composting process, ensuring that funeral directors perform the service in licensed facilities.
The law will require funeral directors to be licensed to handle human remains through this process, ensuring safety and proper management of the procedure.
What This Means for Families
This bill provides families with another choice for laying their loved ones to rest. For some, this composting process represents a more environmentally conscious alternative to the traditional methods of cremation or burial.
Dillon, who has already conducted around 50 green burials, believes that the composting method would appeal to families who want a natural and meaningful way to say goodbye.
“This is a very natural way to say goodbye to the world, to their remains, to have been nutrients to the growth of plants and trees,” Dillon said, emphasizing the environmental benefit of composting human remains.
The Future of Composting in Oklahoma
The passing of House Bill 3660 marks a significant shift in funeral practices in Oklahoma, opening the door for funeral directors to offer this alternative burial method.
If the governor signs the bill into law, it could provide a new option for families who are looking for environmentally sustainable and cost-effective ways to handle the remains of their loved ones.
As more states explore eco-friendly burial methods, Oklahoma is following suit with a natural burial option that could change how residents approach funerals and the afterlife.
