Aquamation

The deceased is placed into a stainless-steel vessel that is air and water tight. Approximately 95 gallons of water along with approximately 5 gallons of potassium and/or sodium hydroxide is introduced into the chamber which may be pressurized and is heated to 200 – 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Over the course of 6 – 16 hours, depending on equipment used, the natural decomposition process that occurs in burial is dramatically sped up, resulting in liquid and softened bone.

The liquid contains salts, sugars, amino acids and peptides. There is no tissue and no DNA left after the process completes. The sterile liquid is safely recycled via the local wastewater treatment authority or can be diverted for use as fertilizer. After drying, the bone material is processed to a powder similar to cremated remains, with about 20% more material than after cremation. Aquamated remains can be treated just like cremated remains: placed in an urn, buried in a cemetery, scattered at a special spot, or any number of other options. Aquamation uses significantly less energy than cremation and creates no emissions.