The choices families have for final disposition continue to evolve, and conversations happening across the country suggest funeral professionals can expect more questions about options beyond traditional burial and flame cremation.
At a recent meeting of state funeral association executives, leaders discussed what they’re seeing in their own states. Kentucky reported receiving inquiries about both aquamation and terramation, including an inquiry from a state legislator. Vermont, where human composting has been legal for several years, recently saw its first establishment offering the service open. Leaders there also reported that aquamation is available through two funeral homes, although utilization remains limited, while interest in green burial is growing.
For Arizona funeral professionals, this isn’t simply a trend happening somewhere else.
Arizona’s Options Have Already Expanded
Arizona law recognizes both alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction within the state’s funeral services regulatory framework.
A.R.S. § 32-1301 defines alkaline hydrolysis as a water-based dissolution process using alkaline chemicals, heat, agitation and pressure to accelerate natural decomposition. The statute also defines natural organic reduction as the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil.
Arizona’s updated Funeral Services Licensing Rules, effective July 4, 2026 establish additional requirements governing these methods. The rules include specific operational requirements for cremation through alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction, including facility, sanitation, safety, documentation and procedural requirements.
Alkaline hydrolysis facilities are also subject to specific statutory licensing and facility requirements under A.R.S. § 32-1342 and related provisions of Title 32.
Legal Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Common
Changes in the law don’t tell us how quickly consumer behavior will change.
The experience being reported in other states illustrates that distinction. Vermont funeral service leaders reported relatively little use of aquamation despite its availability, while interest in green burial appears to be increasing.
What does matter is awareness.
As alternative forms of disposition receive more attention in news coverage, social media and conversations about environmental impact and end-of-life preferences, Arizona families may increasingly arrive with questions about options they’ve heard about elsewhere.
Funeral professionals don’t necessarily need to offer every available form of disposition to be part of that conversation. But understanding what is legally recognized, what is actually available and how different methods work puts professionals in a better position to answer questions accurately.
A Conversation Worth Watching
Funeral service has always evolved alongside changing family preferences, cultural traditions, technology and regulation.
Alternative disposition is another part of that evolution.
How quickly these options grow in Arizona remains to be seen. For AFCCA, the important thing is making sure our members understand the changing landscape and have access to reliable information as questions arise.
We’ll continue watching developments here in Arizona and across the country and sharing information that may affect the funeral, cemetery and cremation professionals we serve.