You can add materials to your compost bin as you collect them.

"Green" = "Brown": One thing you'll want to keep in mind is that your “green” materials -- wet things such as food scraps or grass clippings -- and your “brown” materials -- dry things such as fallen leaves or paper -- should be in approximately equal amounts. So, if you add a layer of fruit peels, try throwing some dry leaves in too.

As you add materials, you’ll want to mix them into the pile, especially your “green” materials.

Moisture Control: You’ll want to keep your compost moist, like a squeezed-out sponge. Covering your pile in dry leaves or a tarp will help, and you can add water to the bin if it’s looking dry.

If your compost isn’t decomposing, you probably need to add more moisture. If you have water leaking out of the bin, you should add more dry materials - try mixing in some dry leaves.

Mixing: To help your compost decompose, mix the pile once every week or two. A pitchfork or similar tool is good for this.

Keep in mind that healthy compost won’t smell bad. If yours starts to, mix the pile more often - your compost needs more air!

Your compost is ready to use when it’s dark brown or black in color, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. This usually takes about 6-12 months, but there are ways to speed up the process.

Speeding Up: You can add the occasional layer of fertilizer or manure to speed up your compost process. There is also ‘compost starter’ that you can add every few months to help your compost along: Dr. Earth Compost Starter

If you have a garden, you can use your compost there. You can also use your compost in potted plants, around the base of trees, or on your lawn.