At a glance
Human composting
Natural organic reduction (NOR)
In Maine, human composting — legally, natural organic reduction — has been an authorised method of final disposition since 2024. No licensed provider currently operates in the state, so arranging it means transporting the body to a facility elsewhere. The law permits it; the infrastructure is not there yet.
- Legalised
- 2024
- Signed by
- Became law without the Governor’s signature
- Typical cost
- $5,500–$8,000 all in
- Provider in state
- No — transport required
Note
Site of the first US mycelium-coffin burial, in 2025.
Aquamation
Alkaline hydrolysis
In Maine, aquamation — legally, alkaline hydrolysis — is an authorised method of final disposition. Licensed providers operate in the state, so it can be arranged without leaving it.
- Typical cost
- $2,500–$4,450 all in
- Provider in state
- Yes
Note
Alkaline hydrolysis is an authorised method of final disposition. Licensed providers are operating.
If it is not available here
A body can lawfully be transported across state lines to a licensed facility, and funeral homes arrange it routinely. The remains come back to you. This is the route families in every not-yet state already use.
Expect transport to add several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars depending on distance, plus a few days. Ask any funeral home for an itemised list before agreeing — they are required to give you one.
What it costs
Typical all-in ranges in Maine. Ranges, not quotes.| Method | Status | Typical all in | Scattering |
|---|
| Human composting | Legal | $5,500–$8,000 | Treated as cremated remains — landowner permission required. |
|---|
| Aquamation | Legal | $2,500–$4,450 | Treated as cremated remains — landowner permission required. |
|---|
Under the FTC Funeral Rule every provider must give you an itemised price list on request, and may not require a package. Ask for it. Your rights are here.
Common questions
Is human composting legal in Maine?
In Maine, human composting — legally, natural organic reduction — has been an authorised method of final disposition since 2024. No licensed provider currently operates in the state, so arranging it means transporting the body to a facility elsewhere. The law permits it; the infrastructure is not there yet.
Is aquamation legal in Maine?
In Maine, aquamation — legally, alkaline hydrolysis — is an authorised method of final disposition. Licensed providers operate in the state, so it can be arranged without leaving it.
When did Maine legalise human composting?
Maine legalised natural organic reduction through LD 536 by Became law without the Governor’s signature.
What does ecological deathcare cost in Maine?
Human composting runs $5,500–$8,000 all in; Aquamation runs $2,500–$4,450 all in. Those are typical ranges rather than quotes, and they exclude items a family may add such as a memorial service or an urn. Providers must give you an itemised price list on request under the FTC Funeral Rule.
Where do I go if no provider operates in Maine?
Human composting is legal in Maine, but no licensed facility currently operates in state. A funeral home can transport the body to a provider elsewhere and return the remains to you; this is lawful and routine. Expect it to add several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars depending on distance. The law is not the obstacle here — the absence of local equipment is.
Recent changes
No changes recorded since this record was created in August 2026. Every automated or reviewed edit is logged here from that date on.