Is Aquamation Legal in New York? 2026 Laws, Providers, and Costs

If you’re searching aquamation New York, water cremation New York, or alkaline hydrolysis New York, you’re likely trying to make a choice that feels gentle, environmentally mindful, and practical for your family. The difficulty is that “aquamation” is not just a personal preference—it’s also a regulatory question, and availability varies sharply by state. If you’re asking is aquamation legal in New York, you’re asking the right first question.

This guide explains what aquamation is, the current New York legal reality in 2026, and what families do when in-state options are limited. We’ll also cover what happens afterward—because you still need a plan for what to do with ashes, from cremation urns for ashes to cremation jewelry.

Why more New York families are asking about “flameless cremation”

Cremation is now a mainstream choice, which naturally widens the conversation about alternatives. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the cremation rate is projected to be 63.4% in 2025, and the Cremation Association of North America reports a U.S. cremation rate of 61.8% in 2024. As those numbers rise, more families become curious about options that feel like a lower-impact goodbye.

Aquamation is often discussed as green cremation New York or eco friendly cremation New York, and you may also see labels like bio cremation New York or flameless cremation New York. Different words, same intent: reduce flame, reduce impact, and keep the process respectful.

What aquamation is, and what you receive afterward

Aquamation is the common name for alkaline hydrolysis. The National Funeral Directors Association describes it as a water-based process using heat (and sometimes pressure) plus an alkaline solution to accelerate natural breakdown. The outcome that matters most for families is simple: you still receive bone remains that are dried and processed into a fine powder similar in purpose to cremated ashes.

That means your memorial options don’t change. Whether the disposition is aquamation or flame cremation, families still choose among cremation urns, sharing a portion in keepsake urns, wearing a tiny amount in cremation necklaces, or planning a ceremony such as water burial.

Is aquamation legal in New York in 2026?

As of early 2026, New York does not clearly authorize alkaline hydrolysis as a standard in-state method of human final disposition in the way it authorizes flame-based cremation. Many families arrive here after searching alkaline hydrolysis laws New York and finding conflicting answers. The practical reason is definitional: New York law and regulation describe cremation in flame-based terms.

New York’s Public Health Law defines cremation as “the incineration of human remains.” (See New York Public Health Law § 4201.) New York’s funeral regulations define “cremation” as reduction of remains by intense heat and flame. (See 19 NYCRR 203.1.) The state’s public crematory guidance also reinforces a flame-based framework for crematories and cremation authorizations (see New York Department of State crematory FAQs). Put together, the practical takeaway is that alkaline hydrolysis isn’t neatly covered by the existing New York definition of cremation.

This is where families can get confused by marketing. A provider may say they “offer” aquamation to New York families, but the actual alkaline hydrolysis may occur out of state where it is permitted and licensed. That distinction—where the disposition physically occurs—is one of the most important questions you can ask.

Pets are a separate issue. New York has addressed alkaline hydrolysis for pet remains under pet cemetery and crematory licensing rules (see NY Attorney General Opinion 2015-F1), which is one reason families may find pet “water cremation” options even when human aquamation is not available in-state.

How New York families find providers when in-state options are limited

Searches like aquamation providers New York and water cremation providers New York usually point to two paths: coordinating with a New York funeral home that transports to an out-of-state facility, or choosing another legal option in New York.

If aquamation is your priority, ask the funeral home to name the facility and state where the alkaline hydrolysis will occur, and to provide an itemized estimate separating New York care/transport charges from the receiving facility’s charges. Some nearby providers describe water cremation options, including The Green Cremation (Connecticut), Minor Funeral Home (Vermont), and Direct Cremation of Maine (Maine). Availability can change, so confirm by phone.

Aquamation cost in New York: what people mean, and what actually gets billed

When families ask about aquamation cost New York or alkaline hydrolysis cost New York, they usually want to know: “What will we actually pay if we choose this?” The answer typically has two layers: the aquamation disposition fee (in the state where it occurs) and the New York-side costs (care, paperwork, and transportation).

For perspective, NFDA reports the national median cost of a funeral with cremation (including service elements) was $6,280 in 2023. (See NFDA statistics.) Transportation can add meaningful cost—especially if distance is long or timing requires additional refrigeration.

If budget is tight, ask for direct disposition pricing, then add service options intentionally. Funeral.com’s Cremation Cost Breakdown is a useful framework for comparing apples to apples when you’re also weighing how much does cremation cost in your area.

After aquamation: choosing an urn, keepsakes, and a realistic timeline

The moment the remains come home can feel surprisingly heavy. Many families expect relief, but instead feel responsibility: “Now what?” It helps to treat this as a two-step decision—safe storage first, then long-term plans when you’re ready.

If you want a stable “home base,” start with cremation urns for ashes. If you want something compact for travel, temporary holding, or a smaller display footprint, small cremation urns can be a good fit. If multiple relatives want a portion, keepsake urns let families share intentionally instead of postponing a difficult “splitting later” conversation.

For a wearable keepsake, cremation jewelry—especially cremation necklaces—is designed to hold only a tiny amount. Funeral.com’s guide Cremation Jewelry 101 explains filling and sealing in a way that reduces anxiety.

If your plan is keeping ashes at home (even temporarily), focus on safety and stability: a secure closure, a low-traffic location, and a plan you can revisit. NFDA also reports that among people who prefer cremation, a substantial share would prefer their remains kept in an urn at home (see the “Scatter or Urn?” section on NFDA’s statistics page). Funeral.com’s Keeping Ashes at Home guide is written for this exact stage. And if water is meaningful, Funeral.com’s Water Burial Planning checklist can help you translate the idea into a workable ceremony.

Pet loss often brings these questions into focus first. If you are planning for a pet, Funeral.com’s collections for pet cremation urns, pet urns for ashes, pet figurine cremation urns, and pet keepsake cremation urns can help families choose calmly when emotions are high.

What to ask before you choose aquamation

A short conversation can prevent most regrets—especially in a state where the legality and logistics are easy to misunderstand. Consider asking:

• Where will the alkaline hydrolysis occur (facility name and state)?
• What is the timeline, including transport and return of the remains?
• Can we get an itemized estimate separating facility fees, transport, and paperwork?
• What container will the remains be returned in, and do you recommend an urn size?
• If we want keepsakes or jewelry, can you help portion and transfer safely?

If you’re planning ahead, this is part of funeral planning. Funeral.com’s How to Preplan a Funeral can help you put these preferences in writing, and How to Plan a Memorial Service in New York (2026) can help you think through the ceremony side separately from the disposition.

FAQs