Spotlight on Return Home

I recently toured Return Home, a local facility that offers natural organic reduction (NOR) as an alternative to traditional burial and cremation.

NOR is one of the “green options” that is garnering more attention as ecological death care has become more popular in recent years. It is also sometimes referred to as “body composting.” Return Home has trademarked the term “Terramation” for their process, which they describe as “gently and naturally transforming human remains into soil.”

I was met by the pre-planning manager, Jake Miller, who graciously gave me an hour of his time to take me on a tour of the facility and answer my questions. Prior to joining Return Home, Mr. Miller spent nine years working in a traditional funeral home offering burial and cremation, so he was well-versed in all forms of death care.

Return Home opened their Auburn facility in mid-2021. In the beginning, their clientele consisted mostly of farmers and ranchers, who by virtue of their lifestyle and work were attracted to the idea of becoming one with the earth after death. By 2023 Return Home was able to offer more services beyond Terramation™ only and their clientele expanded substantially. A cozy waiting room and a large “laying-in” space were added, where families and guests (up to 200 people) can hold a funeral service or celebration of life for their loved one. Since approximately half of the families reside outside Washington state, live-streaming is also available via Zoom.

I have previously written about the NOR process in general (click HERE), but the following is a brief summary of Return Home’s process once they have received a person’s body.

1. The bottom of the polycarbonate vessel is filled with a layer of organic material. Return Home uses alfalfa, straw, and sawdust, which provide the required nitrogen, insulation, and moisture.
2. After being bathed and dressed in a compostable garment, the person’s body is placed on the organic material.
3. A second layer of organic material is added.
4. Space remains in the upper portion of the vessel to ensure passive air flow.
5. Terramation™ takes place, as the temperature and other metrics are constantly monitored (using specialized computer software). The vessel will be moved periodically for a short time in order to redistribute microbial activity and moisture. A resting period follows.
6. When the 8- to 10-week process is complete, the person’s body will have been transformed into approximately 1-1/2 cubic yards of soil, which can be returned to the family or transported to an eight-acre greenbelt site in Kent, Washington.

Return Home offers family and friends an opportunity to decorate their loved one’s vessel with photographs, artwork, or anything else that is meaningful to them and their person. Visits are welcomed during business hours.

Return Home is unique in that it provides services at no cost when the individual who has died is a child aged 17 and under. They also connect families and friends with grief support services and resources.

Their General Price List (GPL) is provided on their website (returnhome.com) and to those who visit the facility in person. Similar to traditional funeral homes, costs will vary depending on the services requested; however, a price range of $5,450 to $7,000 can be expected. I found their GPL to be very straightforward, which widows will appreciate given that sometimes funeral home “packages” can be confusing to compare. Return Home is a licensed funeral home and employs two funeral directors. 

I will also mention that during the short time I waited for Mr. Miller upon my arrival, at least four staff members stopped by to ask if I was being taken care of. I appreciated that.

Return Home is located at 4146 B Place NW, Auburn, WA 98001. Phone number is (206) 888-4663, and email address is [email protected]

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