environmental impact

The UK Law Commission proposes legalizing alternative body disposal methods like alkaline hydrolysis (“water cremation”) and human composting, reflecting a global trend towards environmentally friendly end-of-life care. This process uses high-temperature steam and a potassium hydroxide solution to dissolve remains into a liquid and bone powder, potentially safe for wastewater systems. While championed for its environmental benefits, critics raise concerns about potential misuse and hindering forensic investigations due to complete tissue disintegration. This follows the practice already being used in the US, Australia, Canada, and Ireland.