Abstract: A process for treating a human remains comprises the steps of subjecting the remains to pyrolysis in a pyrolysis chamber under conditions that convert the particulate material to biochar remains.

Abstract: A method of treating human remains prior to burial or other means of disposal comprises the steps of freezing the remains and size reducing the remains to particulate matter. The freezing step includes the steps of placing the remains in a freezing chamber, charging the chamber with a gas, and circulating the gas in a loop between the freezing chamber and a cooling device. The gas cooling device is adapted to cool the gas to a temperature below ?100° C. while maintaining the gas in a gaseous form. The gas cooling device may include a heatsink and a means for cooling the heatsink, wherein the circulating gas is cooled by being brought into contact with the heatsink.