At a glance
Human composting
Natural organic reduction (NOR)
In Minnesota, 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. Tim Walz
- Typical cost
- $5,500–$8,000 all in
- Provider in state
- No — transport required
Note
First Midwest state. The Department of Health began recognising NOR on 1 July 2025.
Aquamation
Alkaline hydrolysis
In Minnesota, aquamation — legally, alkaline hydrolysis — has been an authorised method of final disposition since 2003. Licensed providers operate in the state, so it can be arranged without leaving it.
- Legalised
- 2003
- Typical cost
- $2,500–$4,450 all in
- Provider in state
- Yes
Note
Among the earliest adopters; alkaline hydrolysis has been available here since the mid-2000s.
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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota?
In Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?
In Minnesota, aquamation — legally, alkaline hydrolysis — has been an authorised method of final disposition since 2003. Licensed providers operate in the state, so it can be arranged without leaving it.
When did Minnesota legalise human composting?
Minnesota legalised natural organic reduction through HF 2669, signed on 24 May 2024 by Gov. Tim Walz, effective 1 July 2025.
What does ecological deathcare cost in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Human composting is legal in Minnesota, 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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