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Closed petition PE2084: Allow alkaline hydrolysis

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 to allow alkaline hydrolysis, accelerated composting and other more eco-friendly methods of disposal of human cadavers.

Previous action taken

I wrote to my MSP, David Torrance MSP, who then wrote to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government replied stating that they were going to consult on this in 2023. Then nothing happened.

Background information

Graveyards are filling up, more will be needed. Good quality land is being "sterilised" from productive use.

Cremation uses energy and produces toxic fumes, ash and CO2.

Alkaline hydrolysis and accelerated composting both produce inert by-product and allow for the recovery of medical implants and the safe disposal of mercury amalgam filled teeth.

  • Created by Randall Graeme Kilgour Foggie
  • Date closed 29 October 2025

This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament

Find out about the decisions taken on this petition

26 signatures