Back to the Utah State Aggies Newsfeed

House passes bill to allow 'water cremation' as an alternative to burial, traditional cremation

Related Topics: Cremation, Burial, Tradition, Water

It is sometimes also called flameless cremation, water cremation or green cremation. “It’s all about choice. People are wanting this choice and it’s a proven method,” said Rep. Steve Handy, R-Layton, sponsor of HB121.

In that process, a machine uses a chemical bath to dissolve protein, blood and fat. Some machines can dissolve a body in as little as three hours.

“Typically, 20 percent more of the cremated remains are returned back to the family,” Brad Walker, speaking for the Utah Funeral Directors Association, said during an earlier hearing. “It’s a greener alternative. You are using less fossil fuel.