Natural burial, also known as green burial, is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact. The body is not embalmed and is buried in a biodegradable casket or shroud. The grave is dug by hand or mechanized equipment, but care is taken to ensure the land can return to its natural state. Natural burials are becoming more popular across the United States, but regulations vary by state. So what about Alabama? Here’s what you need to know about whether natural burial is legal in the Yellowhammer State.
Overview of natural burial in Alabama
Yes, natural burial is legal in Alabama. There are no statewide laws prohibiting green burials. The Alabama Board of Funeral Service does not have any regulations that would prevent cemeteries and funeral homes from offering natural burials. As long as the cemetery allows it and proper documentation is filed, Alabamians can be buried naturally.
That said, natural burial is still relatively uncommon in Alabama. Only a handful of cemeteries around the state offer green burial sections. Part of the reason is a lack of consumer demand. But also, many cemeteries have rules against certain natural burial practices, like not using vaults. There are ongoing efforts to amend cemetery bylaws to be more accommodating of natural burials.
Natural burial-friendly cemeteries in Alabama
Here are some of the cemeteries in Alabama that currently allow natural burials:
- Memorial Park Cemetery in Huntsville
- Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville
- Bounds Cemetery in Brighton
- All Souls Cemetery in Haleyville
- Rock Creek Cemetery in Double Springs
- Panola Cemetery in Panola
- Friendship Cemetery in Florence
This list is not comprehensive, as more cemeteries in the state may quietly allow natural burials on a case-by-case basis. The Green Burial Council has a certification process for burial grounds, and there are currently no Green Burial Council-certified natural burial cemeteries in Alabama.
Regulations for natural burials in Alabama
Alabama law gives cemeteries the right to enact their own rules and regulations. While natural burial is not prohibited statewide, individual cemeteries may ban certain green burial practices that are inconsistent with their policies. Here are some key regulations to be aware of:
No law against not embalming
Alabama does not require dead bodies to be embalmed. However, cemeteries may require vaults for casketed burials, which indirectly necessitates some form of preservation like embalming or refrigeration.
Casket requirements
The state has no requirements regarding casket types. Cemeteries usually require rigid containers like caskets, but some will allow shrouds or biodegradable caskets if that aligns with their policies. Vaults, grave liners, or outer burial containers may be mandated by the cemetery.
Burial depth
Alabama requires all bodies to be buried at least 18 inches below the surface. Natural burials typically meet or exceed this depth.
Approval requirements
Green burials must follow the standard death certification process. A funeral home director and next of kin need to sign off on not embalming the body if that is planned. The required paperwork and procedures must be completed.
Grave marking
There is no statewide regulation on grave markers or monuments for natural burials. Cemeteries may require flush, native stone markers to minimize environmental impact. Some natural burial grounds rely on GPS coordinates rather than traditional headstones.
Cost of natural burial in Alabama
Natural or green burial typically costs between $3,000-$7,000 in Alabama. Here’s a breakdown of average costs:
| Item | Cost |
| Grave site | $500-$2,000 |
| Opening and closing of grave | $800-$2,500 |
| Basic biodegradable casket | $500-$2,000 |
| Burial shroud | $100-$500 |
| Funeral home services | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Grave marker | $200-$500 |
| Total Cost Range | $3,000-$7,000 |
A natural burial tends to cost significantly less than a conventional modern funeral and burial, mainly because there is no embalming, metal casket, or cement vault. There are also affordable biodegradable casket options. Costs can be reduced further by forgoing funeral home services and transport.
How to arrange for natural burial in Alabama
If you wish to be buried naturally in Alabama, here are some tips:
- Select a natural burial-friendly cemetery and confirm they will accommodate your requests.
- Work with a funeral director who understands and supports natural burial.
- Purchase a biodegradable casket or shroud.
- Fill out required paperwork and file for a death certificate.
- Transport the body to the cemetery (or have the body buried on private land if permitted).
- Dig a grave deep enough to meet legal requirements.
- Bury the unembalmed body in the biodegradable container.
- Allow nature to reclaim the burial ground.
Natural burials must adhere to certain guidelines but can be personalized with elements like family-led ceremonies, green grave markers, and native flowers and trees. Cemeteries will provide guidance on what is allowed. It is also wise to pre-plan as much as possible. Keep family members and executors informed about your natural burial wishes.
Is natural burial right for me?
Natural burial is an eco-friendly alternative that may appeal to you if:
- You want to avoid the chemicals and non-biodegradable materials used in conventional burials.
- Minimizing your carbon footprint is important to you.
- You want your burial process to be simple and natural.
- A traditional graveside funeral service aligns with your preferences.
- You support conservation efforts and sustainable land use.
- You want your final resting place to reintegrate into the natural habitat.
Consider discussing natural burial with your family, spiritual advisor, and cemetery/funeral home to determine if it aligns with your end-of-life wishes. It is not right for everyone but can be a fulfilling choice for people drawn to the idea of an eco-friendly return to nature.
Conclusion
Natural burial is completely legal in the state of Alabama. While not yet widespread, more cemeteries are opening up green sections to accommodate people interested in this environmental approach. Alabama’s lack of restrictive statewide regulations gives cemeteries latitude to permit natural burials, though individual policies vary. Consumers can locate natural burial-friendly cemeteries in their region and arrange for green burials through supportive funeral homes. With some advanced planning, people can feel confident that natural burial is available as a death care option in Alabama.