Unpleasantness

This is indeed an unpleasant subject. I am not sure how I would even deal with this unpleasantness, but I did come across a youtube video a while back when searching for long-term storage ideas from "healthyprepper". The video speaks to some of the pro and cons of various options. Since I don't know how to attach a link to this video, if interested you could copy and paste this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=126B1Sgkglk If that doesn't work you can search her videos. Just type "dead bodies"

I've personally been on high-dosage antibiotics in the past for exposure to persons who had died from what are commonly known as 'super bugs'. As unpleasant as it sounds, if you encountered someone unknown to you, you could cover them with a blanket or sheet as an indication of moral respect, but self-preservation should always be forefront in such a situation.

If the person is known to you, then you can proceed as seems appropriate under the circumstances.

I'll throw a different opinion. I'd say that whenever possible, try to provide a decent funeral as best as possible depending on your culture and values. If the security allows but there are mass casualties (pandemic or starvation), maybe create a cemetery out of a park or golf course. Dig graves as deep as possible though I'm guessing they will not be 6' deep and will become shallower with time... Mark the graves in any way possible.

As for handling dead bodies, here are a few tips from the Advanced Medical First Responder level 2 course (there is a module on death in remote areas). First, protect yourselves in handling the deceased, wearing gloves, mask, goggles, aprons or tyvek coverall (as mentioned above, garbage bags would do I suppose...). Take picture of the deceased person and write a short report covering the death (time, date, witnesses) as well as any possible cause of death (sickness, bullet wound...). The report and pictures - or sketches - may be handy when things return to normal and may cover you and yours in case there are questions about the death, that way, you wouldn't be falsely accused or at least, have evidences to back you up.

Wrap the body clean linen and if you have a coffin, even makeshift, use it.

At the end if the day, the way I see things is that you have to be prepared for life to return to "normal" eventually. Don't allow yourself to become a savage, respect yourself and your culture to the maximum extent possible. Surviving is one thing, but as many war/disaster survivors have pointed out, there may be a point where you feel it's not worth living for anymore if you're losing your soul, spirit, culture, values....

Food for thought.

Digging is okay fir bodies but depends on where your water comes from. you have a shallow well.... diseased body what happens if more than one in winter time? You should have already some lime for latrine sanitation, it is a MUST have item use some on bodies as well if burying....inside the shroud like the ancients did, or like alot of us near the sea....dump them there the bio system will take care of it.

you definitely have to burn if cholera or typhoid or plague, no other way to stop spread of diseases.

To helocopilot after a savage event you are never the same period those who have less moral failings during that time tend not to self destruct after. no one leaves without grievous injuries,the worst ones are in the mind.

Lots of good responses here, especially Namelus' note about the lye. Also, as helicopilot's last remarks noted, you want to CYA (cover your a$$) for some situations; I know since I used to teach it in (Wilderness) First Aid courses.
Really, it all depends. Are ya talking zombie/pandemic apocalypse or just a result of starvation. I mean, sure, you could feed them to the pigs. You could bury well covered in lye. If it is starvation, there is always another option a friend "joked" about recently: "Hi, my name is Hannibal Lecter." Personally, I hope it was a joke cause I would have a tough - no pun intended - time eating that way long term; though if those Chilean soccer players could do it, maybe ....