Human composting and water cremation could be introduced in England and Wales
New methods for burying the deceased, including human composting and hydrocremation, could soon be introduced in England and Wales, according to a recent report.
Currently, the Law Commission notes that in these countries only traditional burial, cremation and burial at sea are officially recognized by law.
The potential change follows Scotland’s pioneering move in March; The move enabled Scotland to become the first UK country to legalize water cremation as an alternative to current funeral practices.
The Law Commission’s recommendations suggest that both the Westminster and Welsh governments should have the power to approve and regulate these emerging methods of funeral and burial through secondary legislation.
Cremation, also known as resomation or alkaline hydrolysis, involves placing the corpse, typically wrapped in a silk or woolen shroud or other biodegradable material, in a chamber containing hot water and chemicals.
This process significantly accelerates decomposition, with the remains being subsequently returned to relatives, similar to ashes after traditional cremation.
Another method being considered is human composting or earthing. In this process, the deceased is placed in a specially designed container with a mixture of sawdust, straw and other organic materials. Within a few weeks, the body naturally breaks down and turns into nutrient-rich soil.
The commission noted that water burning already exists in parts of Australia and Canada, while both methods are used in parts of the United States.
The commission’s report recommended that a clear legal framework was needed for new methods of dealing with corpses, and stated that the question of which methods should be used should be addressed by governments.
The report suggested that the two governments should be able to “respond to new methods as they emerge, without needing to pass primary legislation each time a new method needs to be regulated.”
He said ministers should consider protecting the environment, public health and public safety when looking at new methods, as well as ensuring human remains are treated with dignity.
The report also stated that none of the recommendations would require anyone to use a particular method, thus ensuring the protection of a person’s religious and cultural practices.
He added that there needed to be an “effective surveillance system” to ensure compliance with regulations was monitored, including inspection of facilities.
Public Law Commissioner Professor Alison Young said: “Everyone deserves to have their wishes respected after death, and those who love them deserve confidence that the law will protect this.
“Our recommendations create a clear, forward-looking legal framework that gives the government the tools to approve new options safely, with appropriate oversight, and without affecting existing choices.”
Earlier this year the commission put forward recommendations aimed at addressing the shortage of funeral space while also providing robust safeguards for bereaved families.
This report recommended modernizing laws in cemeteries in England and Wales to allow the reuse of graves more than a hundred years old, but allow war graves to be preserved (some of which have remained unchanged for more than 170 years).
