1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
SocietyEurope

Compost me - Alternatives to the Coffin

September 7, 2026

An increasing number of people don't want to be cremated or buried after their death. They want their bodies to return to the earth as fertile soil. This poses both an ethical and a legal challenge.

In the center of the picture is a so-called cocoon filled with hay, flowers, and activated charcoal. A small bouquet of dried flowers lies on the hay bed at the top of the cocoon. On the left stands a young man explaining the new method of reburial to a woman standing to the right of the cocoon.
Image: Cats & Docs

In Europe, committed citizens are campaigning to have 'humusation'—the composting of human remains—scientifically investigated, validated and legalized. In the US, this alternative to cremation and burial is already practiced in two states. The idea is culturally radical but based on a natural process. Called ‘aerobic decomposition,’ it has been perfected by nature over millions of years.

Death as Part of the Natural Cycle

Image: Cats & Docs

Gradually, a movement is emerging that was long regarded as marginal and controversial. Its pioneers are breaking taboos, raising environmental awareness and challenging the funeral industry. Through what's known as 're-burial', they're shaping a different understanding of death - as part of a cycle that renews life—thereby paving the way for new rites.

Broadcasting Hours:

DW English

TUE 15.09.2026 – 01:03 UTC
TUE 15.09.2026 – 04:03 UTC
TUE 15.08.2026 – 10:03 UTC
WED 16.09.2026 – 09:03 UTC
WED 16.09.2026 – 14:03 UTC
WED 16.09.2026 – 21:03 UTC
THU 17.09.2026 – 07:03 UTC
THU 17.09.2026 – 12:03 UTC
SAT 19.09.2026 – 08:03 UTC
SUN 20.09.2026 – 13:03 UTC

Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3
Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8
London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3
San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4

Skip next section Explore more
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW