Key facts
- New South Wales has passed laws permitting 'human composting'.
- The practice, called natural organic reduction or terramation, transforms bodies into soil.
- Several MPs have stated they wish to be terramated after death.
- The process takes approximately 60 days and is carbon neutral.
- The legislation allows 18 months for the government to establish regulations.
New South Wales has passed legislation allowing for natural organic reduction, a process that turns human bodies into soil, offering a third legal option alongside burial and cremation. The bill, introduced by independent MP Alex Greenwich, involves placing bodies in temperature-controlled vessels with organic matter, where microbes decompose the remains into fertile soil over about 60 days. Several MPs have publicly stated their intention to use the practice after death, citing personal preferences and environmental benefits. The legislation requires the NSW government to establish regulations for specialised facilities within 18 months.