Is a Casket Required for Cremation to Take Place?

A casket is not required for a cremation to take place. In most states, all that is required is an alternative container which can be constructed of wood or fiberboard/cardboard, and is cremated along with the deceased.

Is Embalming Required for Cremation?

Absolutely not. Public health law states that any human remains held 24 hours beyond death, and not yet cremated or interred at a cemetery, shall be either embalmed, or kept under refrigeration. Most reputable funeral establishments and crematories have on-site refrigeration.

Can a Cremation Be Witnessed by the Family?

Yes, in most situations, the cremation provider will permit family members to be in attendance when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. A few religious groups include this as an integral part of their funeral practice.

Are There Any Religions That Do Not Approve of Cremation?

Most major religions accept cremation, except Islam and Orthodox Judaism. Most Christian denominations allow cremation. The Catholic Church approves cremation but encourages interment in a cemetery. Buddhists favor cremation, and Hindus consider it the orthodox method of disposition.

Can More than One Cremation Be Performed at Once?

No. It is both practically impossible and illegal. Most modern cremation chambers are not large enough to house more than one adult at a time.

What Usually Happens after the Cremation Is Finished?

After cremation, bone fragments and non-consumed metal items are collected and separated from the remains using inspection and magnets. Bone fragments are processed into a uniform size and sealed in a plastic bag, then placed in a container or urn chosen by the family.

What Do Cremated Remains Look Like?

Cremated remains are a powdery and granular mix in shades of gray to white. An average adult’s remains typically weigh between four to eight pounds.

Are All Cremated Remains Returned to the Family?

Yes, except for microscopic particles that cannot be retrieved, all cremated remains are returned to the family.

Are Urns Required to Collect the Cremated Remains?

No law requires an urn, but cremated remains must be kept in a container. A basic urn is included in the cremation package, with options available for upgrades.

What Options Are Available with the Cremated Remains?

In California, cremated remains may be kept at home, scattered at sea (500+ yards from shore), scattered on private property with permission, or interred in a cemetery. They can also be divided into keepsake urns or jewelry for memorialization.

How Can You Be Certain That All Remains Are Kept Separate, and You Receive the Correct Remains?

Reliable cremation providers have strict policies to ensure accuracy and prevent errors. It's your right to ask about the procedures used for identification, cremation, processing, and packaging of remains.

Terramation Services (Human Composting) in Southern California

A Natural Return to Earth

At Farrington Mortuary, we proudly offer Terramation—also known as human composting or natural organic reduction—as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional funeral options. This innovative, environmentally friendly process transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil, creating a meaningful legacy that quite literally gives back to the earth.

What is Terramation?

Terramation is a gentle, natural process that transforms human remains into soil using only organic materials like alfalfa, straw, and wood chips. This revolutionary end-of-life option allows your loved one to return to nature while creating new life. The resulting soil can be used to nourish a memorial garden, plant a tree, or be returned to a conservation area, creating a living legacy that continues to grow.

As a natural alternative to cremation or burial, Terramation produces soil that's rich in nutrients and free from harmful chemicals, making it an ideal choice for those who lived with environmental consciousness and wish their final act to reflect those values.

The Terramation Process: How It Works

Step 1: Laying In

The process begins with a meaningful ceremony where your loved one is placed in a specially designed vessel. Family members can participate in this ceremony, adding flowers, meaningful objects, or messages. This vessel contains a carefully calibrated mixture of alfalfa, straw, and wood chips that facilitates the natural transformation.

Step 2: Transformation

Over approximately 30-60 days, natural microbes gently transform the body into soil. This process is completely natural and requires no chemicals or artificial heat—just the natural biological processes that have recycled organic matter since the beginning of time. The vessel is monitored to maintain optimal moisture and oxygen levels throughout this phase.

Step 3: Curing

After the initial transformation, the soil rests for an additional 30 days, allowing it to stabilize and mature. During this time, any non-organic materials (such as medical implants) are carefully removed.

Step 4: Return

When the process is complete, you'll receive the nutrient-rich soil—approximately 1 cubic yard—to use as you wish. Many families choose to use this soil to plant memorial gardens, trees, or donate it to conservation efforts. Any soil you don't wish to take can be donated to a privately protected piece of land in need of revitalization.

Is Human Composting Legal?

Only the following US states have made human composting legal:

California
Colorado
New York
Oregon
Vermont
Washington

New York is the most recent state to legalize human composting. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law on New Year’s Eve of 2022.Other states are currently in the process of passing legislation to legalize human composting. To date, these include:

Delaware: House bill 165 was introduced in April 2021

Illinois: House bill 4552 was introduced in January 2022

Massachusetts: House bill 4036 was introduced in July of 2021 and is currently in progress

Minnesota: HF 3466 is in progress in the house and a separate bill, SF 3045, was introduced to the senate in February 2022

Why Choose Terramation?

Environmentally Conscious

Terramation uses significantly less energy than cremation and avoids the environmental impacts of traditional burial, including embalming chemicals and resource-intensive caskets. Each Terramation can save over 1 ton of carbon emissions compared to conventional options.

Creating New Life

Rather than ending a life cycle, Terramation continues it by creating rich, living soil that supports new growth. This powerful symbolism offers comfort to many families, knowing their loved one continues to nourish new life.

Personalized Memorial Options

The resulting soil can be used in countless meaningful ways—plant a memorial garden, nourish a family tree, or donate to conservation efforts. These living memorials grow and evolve over time, creating an ongoing connection to your loved one.

Legal in California

Since 2022, Terramation has been legal in California, joining states like Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Vermont in offering this innovative option.

Terramation Services at Farrington Mortuary

Our complete Terramation package includes:

Transfer of remains to our funeral home
Preparation and care of the deceased
One hour viewing in our mock vessel
Transportation to common carrier and coordination with our Terramation facility
The complete Terramation process
Return of the resulting soil
All necessary documentation and filing of death certificates
Compassionate guidance throughout the entire process

Frequently Asked Questions

How much soil does Terramation produce?

The process creates approximately 1 cubic yard of soil (about enough to fill the bed of a pickup truck). You can take as much or as little as you'd like.

How long does the full Terramation process take?

The entire process takes approximately 2-3 months, which includes the active transformation phase and the curing period.

Can we hold a funeral service before Terramation?

Absolutely. Many families choose to hold a traditional funeral or memorial service before the Terramation process begins. We can accommodate viewings, ceremonies, and gatherings just as we would with any other funeral service.

Is Terramation suitable for everyone?

Terramation is suitable for most individuals. There are a few exceptions related to certain diseases, but our compassionate staff can discuss any specific concerns during the arrangement process.

How can we use the soil that's returned to us?

The nutrient-rich soil can be used to plant trees, create memorial gardens, or contribute to conservation efforts. Many families choose to divide the soil among family members or use it to nourish meaningful plantings.

Contact Us About Terramation

Ready to learn more about this revolutionary, eco-conscious option? Contact Farrington Mortuary at (800) 674-3659 to speak with our compassionate team. We're proud to be at the forefront of providing innovative, environmentally responsible funeral options for the communities of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and Orange County.

Make your final act one that gives back to the earth and creates a living legacy for generations to come."