Our Terramation Services


How Terramation Works

Our Terramation process (also known as human composting, or natural organic reduction) gently transforms the human body into life-giving soil using alfalfa, straw, sawdust and time.


Learn about the process below.


Terramation At Public Direct Cremations

Welcome to Public Direct Cremations where we understand the importance of honoring and memorializing the lives of your loved ones. In our relentless pursuit of innovative and sustainable funeral practices, we are proud to offer a groundbreaking method called "Terramation."



Terramation is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. It involves the natural decomposition of the body, allowing it to return to the earth in a gentle and eco-conscious manner. This process combines elements of burial and composting, creating a unique approach to end-of-life care that honors both the deceased and the environment.


During the Terramation process, the body is placed in a specially designed vessel that facilitates decomposition. Over time, the body is naturally broken down by microbial activity, much like in the process of composting. Throughout this transformation, the vessel provides optimal conditions, including moisture, temperature, and aeration, to support the decomposition process.


As the body decomposes, it returns vital nutrients to the soil, enriching it and promoting the growth of vegetation. This beautiful cycle of life and renewal creates a lasting connection between the deceased and the natural world, offering a sense of peace and harmony.

Terramation not only provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funeral practices but also offers families a profound and meaningful way to celebrate the life of their loved ones. The process allows for personalization and customization, enabling families to add personal touches, such as meaningful objects or seeds of their choice, to the vessel.


By choosing Terramation, families can embrace a sustainable approach to memorialization, leaving a positive impact on the environment for future generations. It allows them to contribute to the health and vitality of the earth while creating a lasting legacy for their loved one.


At Public Direct Cremations, we are committed to offering a wide range of options that cater to the unique needs and preferences of each family. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the Terramation process, providing support, understanding, and expertise every step of the way.


We invite you to explore Terramation as a thoughtful and environmentally conscious choice for honoring the life of your loved one. Together, let us create a legacy that not only brings comfort and solace to grieving hearts but also fosters a more sustainable and harmonious world.


The Terramation Process

1. Laying In

Our laying in service allows families to bid their loved ones farewell in person or virtually while also adorning them with items that show love and celebrate their memory.

2. Terramation™

Oxygen flows through the vessel which stimulates microbes in the body. These microbes rapidly transform the body into soil in just 30 days.

3. Resting

The soil is screened for inorganics and placed into a cube to rest and cool for the next 30 days.

5. Life Grows On

Beautiful life-giving soil is ready to be returned home to the family or to be scattered at The Woodland.


Direct Terramation

starting at $5,000

This packages include:

  • We pick up your loved one
  • Bring them to our care center 
  • Bathe and prep and store in refrigeration 
  • Make flight arrangements to be sent to Return Home in Seattle, WA 



Terramation With Viewing

starting at $6,000

This packages include:

  • We pick up your loved one
  • Bring them to our care center 
  • Bathe and prep and store in refrigeration 
  • Make flight arrangements to be sent to Return Home in Seattle, WA 



Terramation With Funeral Director Present In Seattle

starting at $7,500

Direct Cremation is for families who want a simple and flexible farewell without a viewing or service.


This packages include:

  • Basic services of funeral director and staff
  • Local transfer to funeral home
  • Securing of necessary authorizations
  • Basic local transportation to the crematory
  • Alternative cremation container


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