What happens to drugs and medicine during human composting?

During the human composting process, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs are reduced to well below safe levels as they are inactivated by the sustained heat of the process.

Human composting eliminates disease pathogens and parasites. The human composting process creates heat over 131 degrees Fahrenheit that is maintained for extended lengths of time. This heat ensures the soil created is safe and free of harmful pathogens. Similarly, that sustained heat inactivates pharmaceuticals and other toxins that might be in the tissues of the body.

Recompose follows all compost-testing regulations put forth by the Washington State Department of Licensing and the Board of Health. This includes testing for salmonella which is an indicator that other pathogens have also been destroyed.