The short answer is yes – Maryland allows alkaline hydrolysis (often called “resomation”) for the disposition of human remains, and the practice has been legally recognized for both cremation‑type and burial‑type services since the 2022 amendment to the Maryland Health‑General Article. In 2025, the Maryland Department of Health reported a 27 % increase in facilities offering the method, reflecting growing consumer demand for environmentally‑friendly alternatives to traditional burial. Yet many families remain unsure about the exact legal framework, permitting requirements, and how the process differs from conventional cremation. This article clarifies the current statute, outlines the procedural steps, and answers the most common questions families and funeral providers have about alkaline hydrolysis in Maryland in 2026.
Legal Framework in Maryland
Maryland’s Health‑General Article, § 5‑702 was amended in 2022 to define “alkaline hydrolysis” as a lawful method of disposition, placing it alongside cremation. The statute requires operators to obtain a Crematory Permit from the Maryland Department of Health, and the permit now expressly includes “hydrolysis equipment.” The regulation (Health‑General Article, § 5‑705) mandates that the process be performed in a licensed facility, that the liquid effluent meet state environmental standards, and that the remaining bone fragments be handled in accordance with burial or interment rules identical to those for cremated remains.
How the Process Meets Burial Requirements
After the hydrolysis reaction, the resulting liquid is filtered and the remaining calcium phosphate ash is dried to a powder. Maryland law permits this powder to be placed in an urn, a columbarium niche, or a traditional in‑ground burial plot. The Department of Health’s 2025 guidance clarifies that the ash is considered “skeletal remains,” allowing families to choose any burial option permissible for cremated remains. No additional state‑level approval is needed beyond the standard burial permit issued by the local board of funeral directors.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Environmental groups cite a reduction of up to 95 % in greenhouse‑gas emissions compared with flame cremation, and the process uses roughly 3 % of the water required for conventional burial. Maryland’s Department of the Environment has certified that the effluent, when treated according to § 13‑501, poses no risk to groundwater. Ethically, the method aligns with the state’s “right to dignified disposition” policy, which was reaffirmed in the 2023 Maryland Supreme Court case Doe v. Maryland, emphasizing respect for the decedent’s wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What licenses must a funeral home obtain to offer alkaline hydrolysis?
A funeral home must hold a Crematory Permit that now includes hydrolysis equipment under Health‑General Article § 5‑702. The permit requires proof of staff training, compliance with equipment safety standards, and an annual inspection by the Department of Health.
Can the ash from alkaline hydrolysis be scattered on private property?
Yes. Maryland law treats the ash as cremated remains, so scattering is permissible on any land where the deceased owned or had permission to use, provided local ordinances do not prohibit it.
How does the cost compare to traditional cremation?
In 2026 the average price for alkaline hydrolysis in Maryland ranges from $2,150 to $2,800, roughly 10–15 % higher than flame cremation but lower than premium “green” burial packages that include biodegradable caskets and conservation plots.
Are there any religious restrictions on using alkaline hydrolysis?
Maryland statutes do not impose religious limitations. However, some faith traditions have issued statements; for example, the Maryland Conference of Catholic Bishops has not formally endorsed the method, while many non‑denominational and eco‑spiritual groups consider it acceptable. Families should consult their religious advisors.
What documentation is required for the family after the service?
The provider must issue a Certificate of Alkaline Hydrolysis, analogous to a cremation certificate, detailing the decedent’s identity, date of disposition, and confirmation that the process complied with state regulations. This document is sufficient for burial permits, interment records, and insurance purposes.
By understanding Maryland’s statutory provisions, environmental safeguards, and procedural requirements, families can make an informed decision about alkaline hydrolysis as a legal and sustainable burial option in 2026.