Humusation and human composting in Switzerland: what does the law say?

What is humusation?

Humusation, also known as human composting, is a process of natural transformation of the body after death. The principle is simple: the body is placed in a cocoon filled with organic materials such as wood chips, straw and micro-organisms.

In approximately 12 months, the body transforms into fertile compost, without combustion or chemicals. This accelerated process reproduces the natural decomposition that occurs in the earth, but in a controlled manner.

Unlike traditional burial which preserves the body in a coffin, or cremation which consumes it, humusation promotes a direct return to the earth. The concept originated in Belgium and the United States, driven by strong ecological values: natural cycle, low carbon footprint, respect for the environment.

The result? Approximately 500 litres of compost that can nourish a tree or enrich a memorial garden.

The legal framework in Switzerland: a complex status

In Switzerland, humusation is currently not authorised. Funeral legislation falls under cantonal jurisdiction, but all cantons rely on similar principles defined by federal civil status law.

Today, only two funeral methods are legally recognised: burial and cremation. Cantonal health codes strictly regulate these practices to guarantee public health and respect for the deceased.

The absence of a legal framework for humusation means that no company can offer this service in Switzerland, even if demand exists. Families interested must turn to current legal alternatives.

This situation could evolve, as Swiss funeral law is gradually adapting to new societal and environmental expectations.

Ongoing political motions

Several French-speaking cantons are exploring the possibility of legalising humusation. The canton of Vaud is pioneering with motions submitted to the Grand Council to study the integration of this practice into the cantonal legal framework.

Geneva and Neuchâtel have also seen parliamentary discussions emerge on the subject, led by elected officials sensitive to ecological issues. These initiatives remain at preliminary stages, but they demonstrate growing political interest.

The arguments put forward by promoters are clear: respect for the environment, freedom of funeral choice and modernisation of a legal framework deemed obsolete. Some parliamentarians emphasise that Switzerland must adapt to societal changes.

Parliamentary debates take time. Between motion submission, health feasibility studies and votes, several years may pass before possible legalisation.

Why this growing interest?

The demand for humusation in Switzerland reflects growing ecological awareness. Faced with climate change, many people seek to reduce their carbon footprint, even after death.

The figures speak for themselves: a cremation emits between 160 and 250 kg of CO2, mainly due to high-temperature combustion. Humusation, on the other hand, is practically carbon neutral and generates no atmospheric emissions.

Beyond ecology, this practice responds to a desire for meaning. Many see it as an authentic return to nature, a complete life cycle where the body nourishes the earth rather than polluting it.

Attitudes are evolving: traditional funeral rituals no longer always correspond to the values of new generations. The impact of ecology on funeral practices is profoundly transforming the sector.

Humusation vs natural burial: what's the difference?

These two terms are often confused, but they designate very different practices. Natural burial involves burying the body in a biodegradable coffin (or without a coffin, depending on the canton) in dedicated spaces such as woodland burial grounds.

This practice is legal in Switzerland. The body is buried intact and decomposes naturally in the soil, without active transformation. The process takes several years.

Humusation, on the other hand, is not legal. It involves active and accelerated transformation of the body into compost through micro-organisms and organic materials. The result is usable humus in 12 months.

Woodland burial grounds and natural meadows already exist in French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland. They offer an accessible ecological alternative today. To learn more, consult our guide on ecological burial.

Aquamation: a legal and ecological alternative

Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is an ecological alternative to cremation that is gaining ground in Switzerland. The process uses hot water and an alkaline solution to dissolve the body, without combustion.

This method emits 90% less CO2 than traditional cremation and generates no smoke. The result is similar: white, sterile ashes that the family can collect.

In Switzerland, aquamation is authorised in several cantons, particularly in German-speaking Switzerland. Some crematoriums already offer this service, although availability remains limited.

The cost is comparable to traditional cremation, sometimes slightly higher. Like humusation, aquamation responds to an ecological desire, but with an already established legal framework. It is therefore a concrete option for environmentally conscious families.

Legal ecological alternatives today

Whilst awaiting possible legalisation of humusation in Switzerland, several ecological options are already accessible. These alternatives significantly reduce the environmental impact of funerals whilst respecting the current legal framework.

Each family can choose the solution that best corresponds to their values and those of the deceased. Some options can be combined: a biodegradable coffin for burial in a woodland burial ground, for example.

Funeral directors increasingly offer these alternatives. Simply ask the question and clearly express your ecological priorities. Transparency about materials and processes is essential.

Here is an overview of the main solutions currently available in Switzerland.

Biodegradable coffins and urns

Biodegradable coffins are made from natural materials: thick cardboard, woven wicker, untreated raw wood. They decompose entirely in the soil without releasing toxic substances.

For cremation, biodegradable urns exist in salt, clay, recycled paper or corn starch. Some are designed to dissolve in water, ideal for scattering in a lake or river.

These options are widely available in Switzerland and their cost is often lower than traditional varnished coffins. The environmental impact is considerably reduced: no heavy metals, no chemical varnishes, rapid decomposition.

Many funeral directors now offer these alternatives in their standard catalogue. Do not hesitate to request them explicitly.

Woodland burial grounds and natural meadows

Woodland burial grounds allow ashes to be scattered or buried at the foot of a tree in a protected natural space. Several sites exist in French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland, managed by foundations or municipalities.

Natural meadows offer a similar alternative for burial in the ground, with biodegradable coffins. These spaces are maintained ecologically, without pesticides or chemical fertilisers.

Each canton has its own rules concerning these practices. Some authorise free scattering of ashes in nature, others require dedicated spaces. Enquire with your municipality.

The symbolic dimension is strong: the tree or meadow becomes a living memorial place. To organise a funeral in this spirit, consult our guide on preparing an ecological funeral.

Low-emission cremation

Cremation technologies are evolving. Some Swiss crematoriums are investing in modern equipment that reduces polluting emissions through efficient filters and better temperature management.

Heat recovery systems allow the energy produced to be reused to heat other buildings. This approach reduces the overall carbon footprint of cremation.

Not all crematoriums are equal in environmental terms. Some publish their emissions data, others do not. Do not hesitate to ask specific questions about the equipment used and ecological certifications.

Choosing a crematorium that is transparent about its environmental practices is a concrete action to limit ecological impact, even if cremation remains more polluting than aquamation or natural burial.

How to express your wishes for the future?

If humusation interests you, you can express this wish now in your testamentary provisions. Even if the practice is not legal today, documenting your values helps your loved ones honour your memory according to your convictions.

Draft a clear document mentioning your interest in humusation and, as an alternative, the legal ecological options that suit you: aquamation, natural burial, woodland burial ground.

Speak with your loved ones. Explain to them why ecology matters to you, even after death. This conversation will facilitate decisions when the time comes.

Follow cantonal legislative developments. Subscribe to newsletters from ecological associations or regularly consult information sites on Swiss funeral law. On Wolky, you can also create a memorial page to communicate your wishes and share your values with those around you.

Future prospects in Switzerland

The international trend favours humusation. In the United States, several states have legalised it: Washington (2019), Colorado (2021), Oregon, Vermont, California. Belgium remains a pioneer in Europe with pilot projects underway.

In Switzerland, citizen and ecological pressure is growing. Political motions are multiplying, a sign that the debate is gaining ground. But obstacles remain: health questions (control of pathogens), cultural and religious resistance.

A realistic timeline? The most progressive cantons could legalise humusation by 2025-2030, if feasibility studies are conclusive. Others will probably follow, as was the case for cremation in the 20th century.

The important thing is to maintain an informed democratic debate. The more the public understands the ecological and health issues, the more political decisions can reflect the real aspirations of the Swiss population.

Humusation represents a promising ecological funeral alternative, but it remains prohibited in Switzerland to date. Despite several political motions and growing interest in environmentally respectful practices, the legal framework has not yet evolved. Families who wish for sustainable funerals can however turn to legal solutions such as aquamation, biodegradable coffins, woodland burial grounds or low-emission cremation.

The question of humusation more broadly illustrates the transformation of funeral practices in response to environmental challenges. To learn more about these developments, consult our article on the impact of ecology on modern funeral practices.

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