A woman gestures toward an aquamation machine.
Share this @internewscast.com

“BOIL in a bag” funerals could be set to become available in the UK – as controversial method criticised as disrespectful.

The alternative method, which is already available in other countries, works to dissolve bodies and flush them down the drain.

A woman gestures toward an aquamation machine.
The process produces a liquid that is disposed of as wastewaterCredit: Getty
Aquamation machine used for water cremation.
Bodies are corroded using alkaline chemicals and water at high temperaturesCredit: Instagram/Bio-Response
Illustration of water cremation process.
The method could be allowed in the UK following a consultationCredit: The Sun

A consultation by the Law Commission is currently in progress, which might introduce an unconventional approach to funerals, potentially replacing traditional ground burials and flame-based cremations.

There is currently no regulatory framework on the practice, meaning it is effectively banned in the UK – but the consultation could see this change.

Advocates that support so-called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, claim that it is better for the environment.

Skeptics that are opposed to the technique believe that it is a disrespectful way to treat the dead.

Water cremation consists of using water and alkaline chemicals at a high temperature to rapidly decompose a corpse.

The body is loaded into a pressure vessel containing the corrosive liquid, and is heated to around 160 degrees Celsius.

This leaves liquid, known as ‘effluent’ which can be poured down the drain with other wastewater.

It doesn’t contain any tissue or DNA, and is described as a brown colour resembling “tea or an ale”.

The remaining bones can then be ground to ash for the bereaved loved ones to take home.

These can then be scattered or kept in a similar way to traditional ashes from a flame-based cremation.

Murdered farmer Michael Gaine given special guard of honour after funeral mass

Any metal hip and knee joints remain intact.

One funeral home in Minnesota paid $750,000 (£580,000) to install the approximately six foot by four foot chamber a decade ago.

It is a relatively easy process for undertakers who just push a few buttons to get the chamber to start filling with water.

Despite having been patented in 1888, the process is yet to reach mainstream use.

While some see the process as mirroring the baptism at the start of life, others view it as disrespectful.

Critics have argued that it could be seen as a kind of desecration of the body, the majority of which is disposed as wastewater.

Dr. Lian Lundy, a wastewater expert from Middlesex University, commented to The Telegraph: “Some people perceive it as essentially combining my loved one with sewage in the system, which they find unpleasant.

“However, numerous substances are directed into the sewer that we tend not to consider – including waste from morgues and medical facilities. From that standpoint, it’s not particularly different from what already occurs.”

Bag of white cremated remains.
The remaining ashes are then given to loved onesCredit: Resomationltd

Co-op Funeralcare previously promised to offer the service in 2023 – but plans were delayed as they couldn’t get through the regulatory framework.

It is already available in nearly 30 states, in Canada, South Africa, and in Ireland – which became the first in Europe when it opened a facility in early 2023.

Estimates suggest that the cost of water cremation will be similar to flame-based cremation, typically costing $1,500 to $5,000 in states where it is already legal.

It could also provide a more environmentally-alternative to traditional methods.

Flame-based cremation releases around 535 pounds of carbon dioxide in to the air while burials can pollute the surrounding soil.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Forest Park community rallies, supports Black-owned Living Fresh Market on Roosevelt Road considering closing for tariffs, economy

Forest Park Community Unites to Support Black-Owned Living Fresh Market on Roosevelt Road Amidst Tariff and Economic Challenges

FOREST PARK, Ill. (WLS) — This Saturday saw a turnout of customers…
FBI busts alleged Maduro-linked money laundering network spanning multiple nations

FBI Uncovers Suspected Money Laundering Network with Ties to Maduro, Operating Across Several Countries

“The Maduro regime’s alleged efforts to attempt evasion and conduct money laundering…
Judge blocks Trump policy to detain migrant children turning 18 in adult facilities

Judge Halts Trump’s Policy of Holding 18-Year-Old Migrant Children in Adult Detention Facilities

A federal judge has temporarily halted a new policy from the Trump…
Alzheimer's walk Chicago: Thousands to participate in annual Walk to End Alzheimer's disease in Lincoln Park

Thousands Set to Join Annual Alzheimer’s Walk in Lincoln Park, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Thousands of people are coming together in Chicago’s Lincoln…
Who is Kathryn Nester, Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson’s attorney?

Experts Suggest Defense for Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Could Cost Utah Taxpayers ‘Eight Figures’

Utah taxpayers are on the hook for Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin’s defense…
'Terrified, traumatized': 12-year-old boy arrested while riding his bicycle

‘Frightened and Shaken’: 12-Year-Old Boy Detained While Cycling

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) – A North Carolina mother says her 12-year-old son…

Tragic Shooting Near Houston Suburb Results in Death of Two Children, Two More Critically Injured

ANGLETON, Texas (AP) — In a heartbreaking incident early Saturday near Angleton,…
Heroes, zeros of Yankees-Blue Jays Game 1: Giancarlo Stanton struggles

Highlights and Low Points of Yankees vs. Blue Jays Game 1: Giancarlo Stanton’s Tough Performance

Heroes and zeros from the Yankees’ 10-1 loss to the Blue Jays…
Israel’s army will 'advance readiness' for first phase of Trump plan to release hostages

Israel Military to “Boost Preparedness” for Initial Stage of Trump’s Hostage Release Plan

Israel’s military announced Saturday it will “advance readiness for the implementation of…
Daylight saving time: When do clocks fall back in 2025?

When Do We Set the Clocks Back in 2025 for Daylight Saving Time?

The twice-a-year time change for most U.S. states is coming up in…
Trial for FSU shooting suspect postponed till 2026

FSU Shooting Suspect’s Trial Delayed to 2026

Phoenix Ikner’s court-appointed public defender recently bowed out of the case, citing…
Gaza War: IDF Prepares to Capture Gaza City - Part 1

Conflict in Gaza: Israeli Military Gears Up to Seize Gaza City – Part 2

This column continues from yesterday’s piece, which offered background details on the…