"Liquid Discharged Into Sewage After Body Dissolution"... UK Moves to Legalize 'Water Cremation'

Decomposition of the Body with High-Temperature Water and Chemicals
Reduced Environmental Impact, but Concerns Over Human Dignity Remain

The United Kingdom is moving to legalize "water cremation" as a third funeral procedure, in addition to traditional burial and cremation. Attention is being drawn to whether this will expand eco-friendly funeral options.

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According to a recent report by the Daily Mail, the UK Law Commission has proposed so-called "water cremation," a process that uses high-temperature water and alkaline substances to break down the human body, as a new funeral option. As a result, the UK is expected to have another legal alternative to burial and cremation in funeral procedures.

This method is also known as "green cremation." Unlike traditional cremation, it does not use flames, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Due to its environmental benefits, it is currently practiced in 30 U.S. states, Canada, and South Africa. In Europe, Ireland was the first to introduce it. In Navan, County Meath, Ireland, Europe's first water cremation facility opened in 2023.

In water cremation, the body is placed in a specially designed metal container measuring 1.8 meters in height and 1.2 meters in width. It is then heated to about 160 degrees Celsius with alkaline chemicals such as potassium hydroxide for approximately 90 minutes, breaking down the remains. At the end of this process, all tissues are dissolved, leaving not even DNA, with only a brown liquid and softened bones remaining. The bones are finely crushed and returned to the bereaved family, similar to traditional ashes. The liquid undergoes a separate purification process before being discharged into the sewage system.

However, public opinion on this method is divided. Some people express discomfort and oppose it, citing concerns about the dignity of the deceased, as the remains are processed together with wastewater.

In response, an expert explained, "Some people perceive this as disposing of a loved one's remains in the sewer and feel a sense of rejection. However, waste generated in hospitals or mortuaries is also processed through the sewage system, so in reality, there is little difference."

Water cremation does not pose the risk of soil contamination that can occur with burial, and its carbon dioxide emissions are analyzed to be up to 90% lower than those of traditional cremation, making it a noteworthy eco-friendly alternative.