GREEN FUNERALS NEW YORK
Natural Burial, Human Composting, and Your Options in 2026
Published by Obitley Voices. Updated for 2026.
More families are choosing environmentally conscious burial options, but misconceptions persist in New York.
This guide explains what's legal in New York, then reviews green options near Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, and outlines key points families should know before deciding.
What's Legal in New York: A Quick Reference
| Option | Legal in NY? | Available locally? | | | | | | Traditional burial | ✅ Yes | Statewide | | Traditional cremation | ✅ Yes | Statewide | | Natural / green burial | ✅ Yes | Buffalo, Rochester, Albany (see below) | | Human composting (NOR) | ✅ Legal in NY (as of 2023) | Via transport to Return Home (WA) or Earth Funeral (NJ, opening 2026) | | Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) | ❌ Not legal in NY | Not available in NY as of 2026. Must transport out of state. | | Home burial | ⚠️ Varies by municipality | Check local ordinances before planning |
The most important point for New York families: human composting (officially called Natural Organic Reduction, or NOR) has been legal in New York State since January 2023. Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as aquamation or water cremation, is not yet legal in New York as of 2026.
Understanding Your Options
Natural / Green Burial
In a natural burial, the body is placed in the ground without embalming, in a biodegradable container (or a simple shroud), and allowed to return to the earth naturally. No concrete vault is used.
Green burial reduces the environmental impact of death care. It avoids the use of embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults that remain in the ground for centuries. Graves are often marked with a native plant or a natural stone instead of a carved monument.
Green burial is legal in New York State, but availability depends on whether your local cemetery offers a green section. (Green Burial at Vale, 2023)
Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction, or NOR)
Human composting, also called Natural Organic Reduction, is a process from the Pacific Northwest that turns a human body into nutrient rich soil in several weeks. It uses a vessel, organic materials such as wood chips and straw, and controlled conditions. (KelleherAll, 2023)
The result is approximately one cubic yard of compost, which the family can use in a garden, scatter in nature, or donate to a conservation project. (Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, 2023)
| New York law update New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation legalizing Natural Organic Reduction in New York State in 2023. This made New York one of fewer than a dozen states where human composting is legally permitted. | | |
Currently, the main NOR providers serving New York families are:
Return Home (returnhome.com) is based in Seattle, Washington, and offers NOR services to New York families by transporting remains to their facility. They are one of the first and largest NOR providers in the US. (A Guide to Best Practices in NOR, 2025) Earth Funeral (earthfuneral.com) plans to open a New Jersey facility in 2026, which will offer NOR services to New York families with reduced transportation needs. They currently operate only in Washington State.
Because NOR facilities are not yet available in New York, families who choose this option will need to use an out of state provider and plan for transportation costs. Out of state NOR providers typically help coordinate transportation with licensed funeral directors, though specific logistics and pricing vary by provider. New York's own regulations for NOR operations are still being finalized. Remains are prepared for travel according to legal requirements, and the provider guides families through the necessary paperwork and next steps. Transportation is typically arranged by plane or ground vehicle depending on distance to the facility. Based on current out of state provider pricing, NOR services generally range from $3,000 to $7,000, similar to or less than a traditional funeral, though costs will vary by provider and distance.
Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation / Water Cremation)
Alkaline hydrolysis uses warm water and an alkaline solution to break down the body over several hours. It creates ashes similar to cremation, which the family can keep, and uses 90% less energy than flame cremation. (Alkaline Hydrolysis, 2024)
| Not available in New York Alkaline hydrolysis is not legal in New York State as of 2026. Legislation has been introduced and is being considered but has not yet passed. If a family in New York wants this option, remains must be transported to a state where it is legal. | | |
Alkaline hydrolysis is currently legal in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and others. Laws change often, so check with a funeral director for the latest information. (Alkaline Hydrolysis Regulation by State (as of 10/14/24), n.d.)
Traditional Cremation
Traditional flame cremation is still the most common way people are laid to rest in New York and across the country, making up over 60% of all deaths. (U.S. Cremation Rate Expected to Top 80% by 2045, 2023) It is legal and available throughout the state, with providers in every region.
Green Burial Providers in Western New York (Buffalo Region)
| Forest Lawn Cemetery | | | | Location: Buffalo, NY | | Certification: Traditional and memorial park sections; inquire about green burial availability | | Notes: One of the largest and most historically significant cemeteries in Western New York. Contact their family services office about green or natural burial options, which have been expanding in recent years. |
| Cemeteries of Western New York | | | | Location: Greater Buffalo region | | Certification: Multiple properties; check with individual locations | | Notes: Operating multiple cemetery properties across the Buffalo region. Some properties have or are developing natural burial sections. Call ahead to confirm availability at the specific location. |
Families in the Buffalo area who want more green and alternative options should also talk to independent funeral directors who focus on green services, since things are changing quickly.
Green Burial Providers in the Rochester Region
| Crawford Funeral Home | | | | Location: Rochester, NY | | Certification: Green Burial Council certified 3 leaf rating (highest available) | | Notes: Crawford is one of the only Green Burial Council certified funeral homes in Upstate New York, and holds a 3 leaf rating, the highest designation the GBC awards. A 3 leaf certification means Crawford meets the GBC's standards for hybrid green services including natural burial, use of biodegradable containers, and environmentally conscious practices. They are a strong choice for families in the Rochester area seeking a verified green funeral provider. |
| Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels | | | | Location: Rochester, NY | | Certification: Inquire about green and natural burial options | | Notes: A Rochester area funeral home that has moved toward offering more flexible and eco conscious disposition options. Contact them directly to discuss natural burial or other alternatives. |
| James R. Gray Funeral Home | | | | Location: Rochester region | | Certification: Inquire about availability | | Notes: Another Rochester area provider to contact about green burial and alternative disposition options. |
Green Burial Providers in the Albany Region
| Albany Rural Cemetery | | | | Location: Albany, NY | | Certification: Active green burial section | | Notes: Albany Rural Cemetery, established in 1841, is a nationally recognized historic cemetery and one of the most significant burial grounds in New York State. They have developed an active natural burial section where families can choose green disposition without embalming, vaults, or conventional caskets. Contact their office for availability and current policies. |
| Albany Diocesan Cemeteries: Kateri Meadow and St. Michael's Meadow | | | | Location: Albany Diocese, NY | | Certification: Dedicated green burial meadow sections | | Notes: Albany Diocesan Cemeteries operates two dedicated natural burial meadows: Kateri Meadow and St. Michael's Meadow. These are consecrated Catholic burial grounds with designated natural burial sections, making them a meaningful option for Catholic families seeking an eco conscious burial with religious significance. |
A Funeral Professional Worth Knowing: Amy Cunningham
Amy Cunningham of Fitting Tribute Funeral Services is a Brooklyn based funeral director who has become one of New York's best known advocates for green and home funerals. She specializes in home funerals, green burials, and family led services, and has been widely covered in media for her approach to death care that centers family involvement. For families in New York City or the Hudson Valley looking for a more personal approach, Fitting Tribute is worth considering.
Website: fittingtribute.com
What to Ask When Comparing Green Funeral Providers
Not all funeral homes that call themselves "green" follow the same standards. Before you decide, ask:
Are you certified by the Green Burial Council? What level? Do you offer natural burial without embalming? What shroud or container options do you offer? Is a concrete vault required, or can we skip it? Which cemeteries do you work with that accept natural burial? What is included in your green burial package, and what is the total cost?
The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) has a searchable directory of certified providers and cemeteries. It is a reliable way to check claims.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Typical range | Available in NY? | | | | | | Traditional funeral (burial) | $8,000 $15,000+ | ✅ Yes | | Traditional cremation | $1,500 $4,000 | ✅ Yes | | Green / natural burial | $2,000 $6,000 | ✅ Yes (select locations) | | Human composting (NOR) | $3,000 $7,000 + transport | ✅ Legal; providers in WA, NJ | | Alkaline hydrolysis | $2,500 $5,000 + transport | ❌ Not legal in NY | | Direct cremation | $700 $2,000 | ✅ Yes |
All costs are estimates and can vary a lot depending on location, provider, and your choices. Ask any funeral home you are considering for a General Price List (GPL). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you one if you ask.
The Bottom Line for New York Families
If you are in New York and want a green funeral, you have real options, especially in the Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany areas. Natural burial is available at certified cemeteries in all three regions. There are also green certified funeral homes, especially in Rochester.
If you want human composting, it is legal, but you will need to use an out of state provider and plan for transportation. When Earth Funeral's New Jersey facility opens in 2026, this option will become much easier for New York families.
If you want alkaline hydrolysis, you cannot get it in New York. As of 2026, legislation to legalize it has not passed.
No matter what you choose, asking the right questions and checking certifications is the most important thing you can do.
Learn More
Green Burial Council: greenburialcouncil.org Return Home (NOR / human composting): returnhome.com Earth Funeral (NOR, NJ opening 2026): earthfuneral.com Fitting Tribute Funeral Services (NYC / NY): fittingtribute.com Albany Rural Cemetery: albanyruralcemetery.org NFDA State by State Cremation & Burial Report: nfda.org
| For funeral professionals Families are increasingly asking about green and alternative options when choosing a funeral home. Funeral homes in Western New York, Rochester, and the Capital Region that offer certified green services, or are building that capacity, are well positioned for the next decade. Learn how Obitley can help you reach these families. | | |
Obitley Voices is a shared publishing platform for funeral professionals, caregivers, and families navigating loss. Learn more at obitley.com/voices
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is green burial legal in New York?
A: Yes. Green/natural burial is legal in New York, but availability depends on whether a cemetery offers a green section.
Q: What is human composting (Natural Organic Reduction) and is it available in New York?
A: Human composting (NOR) is a process that turns a body into nutrient rich soil. It has been legal in New York since 2023, but as of 2026, facilities are not yet open in state. Families use out of state providers who handle transport and paperwork.
Q: Is alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation/aquamation) legal in New York?
A: No. As of 2026, alkaline hydrolysis is not yet legal in New York. It is legal in several other states; check with a funeral director for updates.
Q: Are green burial and composting more affordable than traditional funerals?
A: Costs vary, but green burial and human composting are often similar to or less than traditional funerals. Prices depend on provider, location, and services chosen.
Q: How do I find a certified green funeral provider or cemetery?
A: The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains a directory of certified providers and cemeteries.
Q: Can I have a viewing or ceremony with green burial or composting?
A: Yes. Many families hold viewings, ceremonies, or memorials before a green burial or before the body is transported for composting.
Q: What should I ask when comparing funeral providers?
A: Ask about certifications, embalming policies, container/shroud options, concrete vault requirements, and what is included in their green package.
Sources
(December 31, 2022). New York governor legalizes human composting after death. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us news/2023/jan/01/new york governor legalizes human composting after death
(2023). Green Burial at Vale. Vale Cemetery, Schenectady, NY. https://valecemetery.org/green burial
KelleherAll, D. (2023). Human composting | Description, Process, Legality, & Facts. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/human composting
(2023). Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve. Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, Newfield, New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve
(2025). A Guide to Best Practices in NOR. Earth Funeral. https://earthfuneral.com/reports/a guide to best practices in nor
(2023). Natural Organic Reduction Is Now A Legal Disposition Option In New York. Cremation.Green. https://www.cremation.green/natural organic reduction is now a legal disposition option in new york/
(2024). Alkaline Hydrolysis. National Funeral Directors Association. https://nfda.org/resources/alternative disposition/alkaline hydrolysis
(n.d.). Alkaline Hydrolysis Regulation by State (as of 10/14/24). https://nfda.org/Portals/0/NFDAORG/Resources/Alternative Disposition/Alkaline%20Hydrolysis%20Regulation%20by%20State%2010 14 24.pdf
(August 31, 2023). U.S. Cremation Rate Expected to Top 80% by 2045. National Funeral Directors Association. https://nfda.org/news/in the news/nfda news/id/7718/us cremation rate expected to top 80 by 2045
(July 31, 2025). Trailblazers in Funeral Service: Meet the 2025 NFDA Innovation Award Finalists. NFDA News Releases. https://nfda.org/news/media center/nfda news releases/id/9710/trailblazers in funeral service meet the 2025 nfda innovation award finalists