Is green burial legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts does not require embalming except in specific circumstances, and a funeral home may not claim state law requires a vault when it does not. Each cemetery sets its own rules, so availability depends on the cemetery.

What is a green burial?

A burial without embalming, without a vault, and in a biodegradable casket, shroud, or container, as Green Burial Massachusetts describes it using the Green Burial Council definition.

Which Massachusetts cemeteries allow green burial?

Green Burial Massachusetts keeps a partial, volunteer-built database of Massachusetts cemeteries that allow green burial. Arrangement File lists the facilities whose posted prices on file name green or natural burial.

Do national cemeteries allow green burial?

The VA says green burial is accepted in national cemeteries. Check with the cemetery about its options.

Green burial

Green burial in Massachusetts

Updated October 28, 2026 · 5 cited sources

In short: green burial is legal in Massachusetts. Embalming is not required in most cases, but each cemetery sets its own rules, so the real question is which cemetery will allow it and what it charges.

What counts as a green burial?

Green Burial Massachusetts uses the Green Burial Council definition: no toxic embalming, no vault, and a biodegradable container, casket, shroud, or urn ^[1].

What does Massachusetts law require?

Embalming is not required except in specific circumstances; refrigeration is an alternative ^[2].
A funeral home may not tell you state law requires a vault or outer burial container when it does not. Many cemeteries do require a grave liner or vault, so ask ^[5].
You can supply your own casket or shroud-style container; the funeral home cannot charge for using it ^[3].

Where can you have a green burial in Massachusetts?

Green Burial Massachusetts keeps a partial, volunteer-built database of cemeteries that offer green burial, with who may use them and notes on cost and rules ^[1]. National cemeteries accept green burial for eligible veterans ^[4].

In the Arrangement File master, these facilities have posted price lines that name green or natural burial:

Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst: posts green-burial opening charges
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge: posts a grave-opening charge for casket and natural burial
Bishop Funeral Home, Worcester: posts a green-burial line on its funeral-home price list

Their prices open with the 30-day Pass, with the source and date on each line.

What will a green burial cost?

There is no statewide figure. A green burial still involves a cemetery lot and opening, plus the funeral home's services if you use one. Compare the cemetery's rate sheet with cemetery fees and the home's immediate-burial line with burial vs cremation costs.

What should you ask the cemetery?

Is green burial allowed, and in which section?
Are non-residents allowed?
Which containers or shrouds are accepted? Is a liner required?
What markers are allowed?

Frequently asked questions

Is green burial legal in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts does not require embalming except in specific circumstances, and a funeral home may not claim state law requires a vault when it does not. Each cemetery sets its own rules, so availability depends on the cemetery.
What is a green burial?
A burial without embalming, without a vault, and in a biodegradable casket, shroud, or container, as Green Burial Massachusetts describes it using the Green Burial Council definition.
Which Massachusetts cemeteries allow green burial?
Green Burial Massachusetts keeps a partial, volunteer-built database of Massachusetts cemeteries that allow green burial. Arrangement File lists the facilities whose posted prices on file name green or natural burial.
Do national cemeteries allow green burial?
The VA says green burial is accepted in national cemeteries. Check with the cemetery about its options.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws, benefits, and fees change; check the source before you rely on a figure.

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Last reviewed: 2026-10-28. If a posted figure looks wrong, check it against the source named on the row. Arrangement File records what a source printed, or marks the row blank. How we cite.