Options are increasing! Several companies providing “Natural Organic Reduction” (N.O.R.) facilities are promoting their services to Massachusetts residents. Perhaps you have seen the ads on social media? Although we do not (yet) have an N.O.R. facility in Massachusetts, it is now quite easy to make arrangements for human composting, also called terramation, soil transformation, or recomposition.
Costs vary, of course. Environmental impact will vary. Transportation of a deceased body from Massachusetts to elsewhere does require a permit from the local town or city “Burial Agent,” but that’s a routine matter that can be arranged by a funeral director or a family member. N.O.R. companies also know how to obtain necessary permits and arrange logistics. As always, we advise shopping around, comparing options.
In May 2026 N.O.R facilities opened in Vermont and Maryland. The earliest N.O.R. facilities began operation in Washington state in late 2020; Oregon and Colorado soon followed. Planning is underway in Maine, and no doubt in many other locations, as public interest rises.
We are actively learning about the new options, and will be reporting more in the fall. Our Annual Meeting & Program (Sunday, October 4, 2026, 2-4pm) will focus on N.O.R. Save the date, and come learn with us.
Bills to allow N.O.R. within Massachusetts have been filed in our legislature, and discussed in some committees over the past five years, but none of the bills have been passed into law. We expect new bills will be introduced in the 2027-28 session.