What are the final disposition options listed for Oregon?

• A. Burial and cremation only.
• B. Cremation, burial, and embalming.
• C. Natural Organic Reduction only.
• D. Burial, Cremation, Alkaline Hydrolysis, Natural Organic Reduction.

Answer: (D)

In Oregon, final disposition options include traditional methods and newer, authorized processes: burial, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation), and natural organic reduction (human composting). Burial is classic ground interment, while cremation reduces the body to ashes. Alkaline hydrolysis uses water and alkaline chemicals to break down remains with typically lower energy use compared to flame cremation. Natural organic reduction transforms the body into soil for return to the land. Embalming is a preservation step that may be used before disposition, not a final disposition method by itself. So the full, correct set of final disposition options is burial, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, and natural organic reduction.