Delaware Becomes 10th State to Legalize Natural Organic Reduction

The First State is now the tenth state to legalize natural organic reduction (NOR). Delaware’s Gov. John Carney signed the state’s human composting bill into law on May 16, nearly two months after the bill passed the Senate 14-7 and four months after the House voted with an overwhelming 32-7 approval. The law is effective immediately.

“Death is a natural part of life and, as uncomfortable as the topic may be for some people to discuss, I believe strongly that Delawareans deserve an opportunity to make informed choices about their final days, including what happens to them after they pass,” said Delaware Sen. Laura Sturgeon. “I am proud to have helped usher this bill through the Delaware Senate so our neighbors can have the option of choosing a more environmentally friendly alternative to burial and cremation.”

Delaware is the third state to legalize NOR this year, after Maryland (May 9) and Arizona (March 29). Since it was first approved in Washington in 2019, one to three states have approved legislation allowing the eco-friendly disposition method each year, including Nevada, New York, California, Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon. Legislation is pending in several other states.