Natural Organic Reduction: Human Composting in Utah
Natural Organic Reduction: A Sustainable and Meaningful Farewell
At Starks Funeral Parlor, we are honored to offer human composting in Utah, also known as natural organic reduction, as a natural and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional burial and cremation. As the only provider of this service in Utah, we are committed to helping families choose a farewell that nourishes the earth and continues the cycle of life.
What is Human Composting in Utah?
Human composting is a process that transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil over 8 to 12 weeks. Developed by Recompose, it uses a controlled environment that mimics natural decomposition, returning the body to the earth in a way that supports soil health and reduces carbon emissions. You can read more about the legal status of human composting in Utah on Recompose’s website.
Is Natural Organic Reduction Legal in Utah?
Natural organic reduction is not yet performed within Utah. Legislation to legalize it in-state has been introduced in recent legislative sessions but has not yet passed. Starks Funeral Parlor is Utah’s exclusive Recompose partner, arranging transport and coordination so Utah families can still choose this option today, with the process completed at Recompose’s facility in Seattle. Starks Funeral Parlor’s work on this issue has been featured in the Salt Lake Tribune’s coverage of Utah’s natural organic reduction legislation.
PBS Utah’s Utah Insight recently aired a short video segment on the pending legislation and what it means for Utah families.
A Process Rooted in Nature
Natural organic reduction follows five essential stages:
- The Cycle Begins – After a loved one enters our care, families may choose to hold a ceremony or spend time with their loved one before the process starts.
- The Laying In – The loved one is placed in a specialized composting vessel surrounded by a carefully balanced mixture of organic materials such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw.
- The Vessel – Naturally occurring microbes break down the body at a molecular level, creating nutrient-dense soil.
- The Soil – After 5 to 7 weeks in the vessel, the soil is moved to a curing bin for an additional 3 to 5 weeks, completing the transformation.
- Life After Death – The resulting soil can be used to nourish gardens and plants, scattered in a meaningful location, or donated to conservation efforts through the Recompose Land Program.
A Positive Impact on the Planet
Choosing natural organic reduction prevents approximately one metric ton of carbon pollution per person compared to conventional burial or cremation. It also uses 87% less energy, sequesters carbon, and eliminates the need for resource-intensive caskets, headstones, and embalming chemicals.
Giving Back to the Earth
The soil created through this process is rich in nutrients and supports plant life, contributing to a healthier environment. Families have the option to keep some or all of the soil for personal use or donate it to conservation projects.
Learn More
Starks Funeral Parlor is proud to be Utah’s exclusive provider of natural organic reduction in partnership with Recompose in Seattle, Washington. Your loved one will travel from our loving arms to those of the Recompose founder, Katrina Spade. Starks will financially offset travel expenses in order to make this beautiful option possible for everyone. For more information about this process and how it may be the right choice for you or a loved one, please visit Recompose’s Website or contact us directly.
