As of 2026, human composting is legal and available to California families, even though the first in-state facilities are not expected to begin operating until 2027. Californians can access this nature-based option through partnerships with licensed providers in other states. Here is a look at the legal timeline, how the process works today, and what families can expect in the near future.
2023: Human Composting Becomes Legal in California
Human composting was legalized in California through Assembly Bill 351.The law recognized human composting, or natural organic reduction, as a legal form of final disposition. California became the fifth state to authorize this process, joining Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Vermont.
2026: Human Composting is Available Through Out-of-State Partnerships
Although California-based facilities are still under development, residents can already choose human composting through licensed funeral homes such as LifeSource. We work with Return Home, located just outside of Tacoma, to make this option available to families throughout California.
2027: Cemetery and Funeral Bureau ready to accept applications for Human Composting Facilities
Beginning in 2027, the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau will start accepting applications for Natural Organic Reduction facilities. However, before any entity can submit an application they need to have already secured all other required permits, i.e. local conditional use permits, Air Quality Board permits, and Water Board permits, a process that can take up to 1 to 2 years.
2028 - 2029: Facilities may be Operating in California
Because the application and permitting process can take 1-2 years to complete, we may not see operating facilities until 2028 or 2029. Once operating, families have the option to complete the entire process closer to home, reducing transportation and expanding access to this sustainable option.
LifeSource coordinates every step of the human composting process for Californian families. We provide transportation, documentation, and guidance so that your loved one is cared for with throughout the entire journey.
After death, your loved one is transported to Return Home’s facility in Washington, where they are placed in a vessel with natural materials such as alfalfa and straw. Over approximately 60 to 90 days, microbes transform the body into nutrient-rich soil. Families may choose to participate in a laying-in ceremony before the transformation begins, creating a meaningful opportunity for remembrance and goodbye.
Once soil transformation is complete, families have several options for remains:
Receive all of the soil: Return all of your person’s soil back to California, via shipping.
Receive some of the soil: Return some of your person’s soil to California, via shipping, and donate the remaining to Return Home’s conservation projects in Washington state.
Donate all soil: Donate all of your person’s soil to Return Home’s conservation sites in Washington.
Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one can help nourish forests, meadows, and other living landscapes.
Human composting offers a way to return to the earth naturally while creating new life. For Californians seeking an environmentally conscious alternative to burial or cremation, this option is available today—and soon, it will be available even closer to home.
Plan Ahead Terramation/Human Composting
Planning and preparing for death is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer the people we love. By making decisions in advance, you spare your family from having to navigate complex choices during an already emotional time, and you create space for them to focus on what matters most: being together and honoring your life.
If terramation aligns with your values, pre-planning gives you the opportunity to learn how the process works, ask questions, document your wishes with confidence, and fund the service if you’re ready.
To begin, you can schedule a pre-planning meeting with LifeSource at a time that works for you. If you prefer to start on your own, download our free Green Funeral Planner, a guide designed to help you reflect on your wishes and organize important decisions. You can complete as much or as little as you like, and meet with us whenever you feel ready.
