New South Wales is set to become the first Australian state to legalise a new choice for the disposal of human remains following the recent passage of landmark legislation through state parliament in October 2026.
Colloquially referred to as human composting, “terramation” is a process that turns human remains into useable soil through a controlled natural decomposition process. With the intended progression of this Bill to law, new facilities are set to be established across NSW where a body can be placed into a specially designed vessel with organic materials such as straw, woodchips and plant matter to commence a natural decomposition process over the course of several weeks as the chambers are heated and rotated. The process of terramation takes approximately 30 days to complete and, in facilities in other countries, families are welcome to visit with their loved one during the process. Once the body has been successfully broken down through the terramation process the soil created is rested and then packaged to be given to the deceased’s family or used at designated locations for fertilisation.
Internationally, terramation is still a relatively new concept with other countries such as the United States and Germany already allowing terramation in certain states. It is viewed by supporters as being a more environmentally conscious option compared to a traditional burial which requires land, or cremation which releases greenhouses gases. However the long-term impacts of a mass transition to terramation are yet to be evaluated.
Some critics have raised concern with how the designated locations for the use of the resulting compost will be determined and how respect for human life will be reflected in the use of the resulting soil.
Although the Bill has passed NSW parliament, the NSW government is set to spend the next 18 months establishing strict regulations to control the practice and designate specialised facilities to be established to complete the terramation process. It is likely we will not see Terramation in NSW until after 2028.
An individual can express their wishes for the disposal of their remains in their Will, including for their body to be returned to the earth by way of Terramation in future.
Whilst practical arrangements and regulations still need to be developed, the reform represents an important step towards greater choice, dignity and potentially more sustainable end-of-life options for individuals and families.
