Green Burial Options in Phoenix
What green burial actually means, what is realistically available near Phoenix today (including a veterans-only option and Arizona\'s new human composting law), and how eco-friendly elements can be added to a traditional burial.
What is Green Burial?
Green burial (also called natural burial) is an environmentally conscious alternative that minimizes environmental impact while promoting natural decomposition. This approach avoids embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults.
Key Principles
Environmental Impact
- No embalming fluids
- Biodegradable materials
- Natural habitat preservation
- Reduced carbon footprint
Natural Process
- Natural decomposition
- Native plantings
- Minimal ground disturbance
- Conservation of land
What Green Burial Can Look Like, Generally
These are the categories that exist as a concept nationally — see "Phoenix Area Options" below for what's actually available locally today.
- Natural Burial Grounds
- Dedicated green cemeteries
- Hybrid cemeteries with green sections
- Conservation burial grounds
- Eco-Friendly Materials (these, unlike a dedicated natural burial ground, are genuinely available through Phoenix-area funeral homes)
- Biodegradable caskets
- Natural fiber shrouds
- Untreated wood containers
Cost Comparison
These are general national estimates for green burial elements, not Phoenix-specific quotes — given how limited dedicated green burial options are locally (see below), treat the "plot" figure as a rough national reference point rather than a real local price.
Average Costs
- Green burial plot: $1,000-$3,000
- Biodegradable casket: $500-$1,500
- Natural fiber shroud: $200-$600
- Stone marker (if desired): $200-$800
Phoenix Area Options
Honest assessment: there is currently no dedicated, general-public green burial ground or conservation burial cemetery within the Phoenix metro area. The one confirmed local green burial option is at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, a VA national cemetery in Phoenix that has a green burial section as one of only three sites in the VA's national green burial pilot program — but this option is limited to eligible veterans and their dependents, not the general public.
Beyond that, some traditional cemeteries and funeral homes in the Phoenix area may still be able to accommodate individual elements of a green burial — a biodegradable casket or shroud, skipping embalming and a vault — even without a formally designated green section. This varies by provider, so ask directly what they can and can't accommodate rather than assuming a "green burial" package exists.
Separately, Arizona legalized human composting (formally, "natural organic reduction") in April 2024 via HB 2081, making it the 8th U.S. state to do so. As of this writing, no facility performing the process operates within Arizona — providers arrange to transport remains out of state (currently Washington or Nevada) to complete it. It's a real, legal option for Arizona residents, but not yet a fully local one.
Planning Considerations
- Location Selection
- Accessibility for family
- Natural surroundings
- Future land preservation
- Material Choices
- Local and sustainable materials
- Non-toxic treatments
- Natural preservation methods
Legal Requirements
In Arizona, green burial must comply with:
- State burial regulations
- Local zoning requirements
- Health department guidelines
- Transportation regulations
Benefits of Green Burial
- Environmental conservation
- Lower cost than traditional burial
- Natural return to the earth
- Habitat preservation
- Reduced chemical use
- Smaller carbon footprint
How to Get Started
- Research local green burial options
- Contact green-friendly funeral homes
- Visit potential burial sites
- Review material options
- Discuss wishes with family
- Document preferences