At a glance
Human composting
Natural organic reduction (NOR)
In Maryland, 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
- Gov. Wes Moore
- Typical cost
- $5,500–$8,000 all in
- Provider in state
- No — transport required
Note
The Green Death Care Act legalised natural organic reduction and aquamation together.
Conflicting records
The Kairos field guide records 2023; the primary bill record shows 2024. HB 1028 was signed by Gov. Moore on 9 May 2024. This page follows the primary record.
Aquamation
Alkaline hydrolysis
In Maryland, aquamation — legally, alkaline hydrolysis — 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
- Typical cost
- $3,200–$5,200 all in
- Provider in state
- No — transport required
Note
Legalised alongside natural organic reduction in the 2024 Green Death Care Act. No licensed provider operating yet.
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 Maryland. 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 | $3,200–$5,200 | 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 Maryland?
In Maryland, 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 Maryland?
In Maryland, aquamation — legally, alkaline hydrolysis — 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.
When did Maryland legalise human composting?
Maryland legalised natural organic reduction through HB 1028, signed on 9 May 2024 by Gov. Wes Moore.
What does ecological deathcare cost in Maryland?
Human composting runs $5,500–$8,000 all in; Aquamation runs $3,200–$5,200 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 Maryland?
Human composting and Aquamation are legal in Maryland, 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.
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