TV Presenter Aims To Launch UK’s First Human Body Composting Service

A television presenter is hoping to introduce the UK’s first human body composting service, offering what he describes as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. Kris Hughes, a broadcaster and author, is campaigning to bring the process also known as “human composting to Britain, where it is currently not yet legal. The method, formally called natural organic reduction, involves placing a body in a controlled environment with organic materials such as wood chips, straw and alfalfa. Microbes then break down the body over several weeks, eventually turning it into nutrient-rich soil. Supporters say the process typically takes between 30 and 60 days and produces around one cubic metre of soil, which can be returned to families or used in conservation projects. Hughes argues the system could provide a more sustainable option at a time when concerns are growing about the environmental impact and cost of traditional funerals. Cremation requires significant energy and produces emissions, while burial uses land and can be expensive, particularly in urban areas. However, human composting is not currently permitted in the UK. The Law Commission is reviewing potential reforms to funeral laws, including whether new methods such as composting could be introduced under a regulated framework. The idea has already been adopted in parts of the United States and is gaining attention globally as a greener end-of-life option. Hughes says he hopes to open a dedicated facility if regulations change, allowing families to choose composting as an alternative to burial or cremation. But the proposal has sparked debate, with some questioning cultural acceptance and ethical considerations around the treatment of human remains.

The discussion comes as attitudes toward death care evolve, with increasing interest in environmentally conscious alternatives and greater personal choice in how people are laid to rest.