Most bodies in NSW are disposed of by burial (45 %) or cremation (55 %). However, there is no legislation specifying that bodies must be disposed of in this way. Approximately four burials at sea take place in Australian waters each year and several funeral directors offer this service. Some people donate their bodies to science which is regulated under the Anatomy Act. A Swedish company is working on a scheme to freeze-dry bodies prior to chipping and composting, so that they can be used as a garden fertiliser. There are currently no laws to prevent this, or other schemes, from being used in NSW. Presumably, the law would evolve to regulate new disposal methods if they become popular.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2008
