New Jersey legalizes human composting as alternative to traditional burial

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- New Jersey has become the 14th state in the United States to legalize natural organic reduction, a process commonly known as human composting, offering families a new option for death care.

The legislation, signed into law last week, will allow funeral homes and facilities in New Jersey to offer the service locally within the next 10 months. Until now, residents seeking this alternative had to transport remains to states where the practice was already legal, such as Washington and Oregon.

Dianne Thompson-Stanciel of Tinton Falls chose natural organic reduction for her husband, Ken, who died in February at age 90. A former Air Force serviceman and minor league baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, Ken had expressed his desire to avoid a traditional funeral.