How does alkaline hydrolysis compare in cost to traditional cremation?

Due to the extra transportation needed to get to our partner facilities in states where the procedure is permitted, alkaline hydrolysis usually costs a little more than regular flame cremation. Many families, however, believe that the environmental advantages outweigh the extra expense. We'll give you clear pricing during your consultation that covers all process expenses, including transportation, the actual alkaline hydrolysis process, and the return of the leftovers. We're dedicated to providing up-front pricing with no additional costs so you can make a well-informed choice.

Do religious organizations accept alkaline hydrolysis?

Alkaline hydrolysis's religious acceptance varies by faith tradition and is still changing as more people become aware of the process. Since the final product is the same—processed remains are returned to the family—religious organizations that permit flame cremation typically also permit alkaline hydrolysis. Although it has not forbidden alkaline hydrolysis, the Catholic Church, which allows cremation, has not released any particular guidelines on the subject. Some religious traditions might consider the water-based method to be more acceptable than flame cremation because it is more natural. If your family places a high value on religion, we advise talking to your clergy or spiritual advisor about this choice.

What happens to medical implants like pacemakers or joint replacements during alkaline hydrolysis?

Alkaline hydrolysis does not present the same safety risks as flame cremation, which necessitates the removal of pacemakers and some medical devices prior to the procedure due to the possibility of an explosion. The alkaline solution does not harm or destroy medical implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, surgical pins, or dental work. These materials can be recycled through suitable medical device recycling programs after being carefully separated from the leftovers. Another benefit of alkaline hydrolysis for the environment is that valuable metals from implants can be recovered and recycled instead of being harmed by extreme heat.

Is alkaline hydrolysis legal in Pennsylvania?

As of right now, Pennsylvania has not authorized alkaline hydrolysis for human remains. Nonetheless, laws have been proposed recently, and the procedure is becoming more widely accepted nationwide—it is currently permitted in more than 25 states. Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home has partnered with accredited facilities in nearby states where alkaline hydrolysis is permitted for families in Pennsylvania who would like to use it today. While you make local arrangements at our Jersey Shore funeral home, we handle all logistics and transportation, guaranteeing your loved one receives respectable care throughout the process.

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Alkaline Hydrolysis Services for Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania Families

Many families in Jersey Shore and Lycoming County are looking for alternatives to traditional burial and flame cremation as they become more aware of their impact on the environment. Alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes referred to as aquamation, water cremation, or bio-cremation, is a kind, environmentally responsible way to pay tribute to your loved one while greatly lessening the impact on the environment.

At Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home we are dedicated to giving families in Jersey Shore, Antes Fort, Avis, Oval, Linden, Salladasburg, McElhattan, Dunnstown, and the surrounding communities access to all available end-of-life options, including this cutting-edge and environmentally friendly procedure. Although Pennsylvania has not yet approved alkaline hydrolysis, we have partnered with respectable facilities in nearby states to guarantee that our families can select this significant alternative.

What Is Alkaline Hydrolysis?

Alkaline hydrolysis is a water-based process that speeds up the natural breakdown process by combining alkalinity, temperature, and mild water flow. In a matter of hours, the process transforms the body back into its most basic organic components in a way that closely resembles what happens naturally in soil over many years.

The body is kept in a stainless steel vessel while an alkali (usually potassium hydroxide) and water solution is circulated. Only the bone mineral is left after organic matter is broken down by the alkaline solution, warmth, and mild stirring. After that, these remains are processed into a fine, white powder that resembles cremated remains from flame cremation, albeit frequently with a larger volume returned to the family.

The procedure was initially created in the 1880s and has been used for decades to dispose of donated bodies and lab animals in medical schools and the scientific community. It has become more popular in recent years as a respectable, eco-friendly choice for families looking for alternatives to conventional techniques.

The Environmental Benefits of Alkaline Hydrolysis

One of the most compelling reasons families choose alkaline hydrolysis is its significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to both traditional burial and flame cremation. For environmentally conscious families in Jersey Shore and throughout Pennsylvania, these benefits are meaningful considerations.

Reduced Carbon Emissions - Alkaline hydrolysis produces approximately 90% fewer carbon emissions than flame cremation. Traditional cremation requires sustained high temperatures (1,400-1,800°F) maintained by natural gas combustion, releasing significant greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Alkaline hydrolysis operates at much lower temperatures (200-300°F) and relies primarily on the chemical process rather than combustion, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint.
Lower Energy Consumption - The energy required for alkaline hydrolysis is roughly one-seventh of what flame cremation demands. This reduced energy consumption translates directly into less strain on natural resources and lower overall environmental impact.
No Mercury or Other Emissions - Flame cremation can release mercury vapor (from dental amalgam fillings) and other particulates into the atmosphere. Alkaline hydrolysis produces no direct emissions to the air. Any mercury or other materials are captured in the water solution and can be properly filtered and disposed of according to environmental regulations.
Preservation of Nutrients - The alkaline hydrolysis process preserves more of the body's natural nutrients in the returned remains. Some families find meaning in knowing that these nutrient-rich remains can nourish plant life when scattered or buried—completing a natural cycle of return to the earth.
No Embalming Chemicals Required - Unlike traditional burial with viewing, alkaline hydrolysis does not require embalming. This eliminates the use of formaldehyde and other embalming chemicals that can eventually leach into groundwater from traditional burial sites.
Sterile, Pathogen-Free Process - The alkaline hydrolysis process completely sterilizes the remains, destroying all bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. The resulting effluent is a sterile solution that can be safely returned to the water cycle through standard wastewater treatment.

FAQ

How does alkaline hydrolysis compare in cost to traditional cremation?
Due to the extra transportation needed to get to our partner facilities in states where the procedure is permitted, alkaline hydrolysis usually costs a little more than regular flame cremation. Many families, however, believe that the environmental advantages outweigh the extra expense. We'll give you clear pricing during your consultation that covers all process expenses, including transportation, the actual alkaline hydrolysis process, and the return of the leftovers. We're dedicated to providing up-front pricing with no additional costs so you can make a well-informed choice.
Do religious organizations accept alkaline hydrolysis?
Alkaline hydrolysis's religious acceptance varies by faith tradition and is still changing as more people become aware of the process. Since the final product is the same—processed remains are returned to the family—religious organizations that permit flame cremation typically also permit alkaline hydrolysis. Although it has not forbidden alkaline hydrolysis, the Catholic Church, which allows cremation, has not released any particular guidelines on the subject. Some religious traditions might consider the water-based method to be more acceptable than flame cremation because it is more natural. If your family places a high value on religion, we advise talking to your clergy or spiritual advisor about this choice.
What happens to medical implants like pacemakers or joint replacements during alkaline hydrolysis?
Alkaline hydrolysis does not present the same safety risks as flame cremation, which necessitates the removal of pacemakers and some medical devices prior to the procedure due to the possibility of an explosion. The alkaline solution does not harm or destroy medical implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, surgical pins, or dental work. These materials can be recycled through suitable medical device recycling programs after being carefully separated from the leftovers. Another benefit of alkaline hydrolysis for the environment is that valuable metals from implants can be recovered and recycled instead of being harmed by extreme heat.
Is alkaline hydrolysis legal in Pennsylvania?
As of right now, Pennsylvania has not authorized alkaline hydrolysis for human remains. Nonetheless, laws have been proposed recently, and the procedure is becoming more widely accepted nationwide—it is currently permitted in more than 25 states. Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home has partnered with accredited facilities in nearby states where alkaline hydrolysis is permitted for families in Pennsylvania who would like to use it today. While you make local arrangements at our Jersey Shore funeral home, we handle all logistics and transportation, guaranteeing your loved one receives respectable care throughout the process.