“Washington is 1st state to allow composting of human bodies,” by Gene Johnson, Associated Press

“Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation Tuesday making Washington the first state to approve composting as an alternative to burying or cremating human remains. It allows licensed facilities to offer ‘natural organic reduction,’ which turns a body, mixed with substances such as wood chips and straw, into about two wheelbarrows’ worth of soil in a span of several weeks. Loved ones are allowed to keep the soil to spread, just as they might spread the ashes of someone who has been cremated — or even use it to plant vegetables or a tree.”

 

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

Another first from the only state with a compulsory, tax-financed, public LTC insurance program.