Composting is the natural process through which kitchen and yard wastes decompose into a dark, nutrient-rich soil conditioner. If you have a garden, a lawn, trees, shrubs or even plant boxes, you can use finished compost to improve the soil and the plants growing in it.

Why should I compost?
Composting is an easy and free way to recycle natural materials and reduce waste. By using compost, you return organic matter to the soil. This improves plant growth by helping break down heavy soils; adding moisture and nutrient-holding capacity to sandy soils; and adding organisms and essential nutrients to any soil. Rich organic soil produces healthy plants which help clean our air and conserve our soil.

How do I compost?
The composting process requires organic material (food and yard wastes), air, moisture and soil. A holding unit or container will help speed up the composting process and discourage pests.

What can I compost?
One-third of your household waste can be composted! Yard wastes, such as dried leaves and grass clippings make excellent compost. You can also compost kitchen scraps including fruit and vegetable peels and trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds and tea bags. Don't compost meat, bones or fatty foods such as cheese, salad dressing or leftover cooking oil as these will slow down the composting process and may attract pests. Don't compost dog or cat feces as these may contain harmful pathogens. (Note: For a detailed list see materials to compost.)

How do I get started?

• Place the compost bin on level soil with good drainage, 20 to 30 centimetres (8 to12 inches) from fences, decks or buildings. The area should have at least partial sunlight.

• Make a 10 to 15-cm (4 to 6-in) bottom layer of coarse material such as dead plant stalks and small branches for improved air flow and drainage. Then alternate equal layers of yard waste with kitchen waste and a 2.5 cm (1 in) layer of soil. No single layer should be more than 15 cm (6 in) deep.

• Keep the pile slightly damp. Cover to protect from rain and pests.

• Turn the pile often with a pitch fork or shovel so it gets lots of air. If the materials are too heavy, just poke holes deep into the pile with a broom handle.

Note: The composting process will still happen even if you don't follow all the steps mentioned above. However, to speed up the process air, light and water are extremely important.

Can large quantities of fall leaves be added to the pile?
When adding to your compost pile, layers of any material should not be any thicker than 15 cm (1 in). This rule applies to leaves especially because too many leaves might clump together and be slow to break down. Leaves can be added to your pile in small amounts or make a separate leaf pile. Make sure the pile has protection from the wind. (You can also add some leaves directly to your garden, on the surface as mulch, or dug in as you turn the soil before early planting.) Shredding leaves will greatly reduce their volume, resulting in faster composting and better storage capacity.

Will it smell?
A compost pile that is working well should not have an unpleasant odour. If it does, it may be that the material is too wet or too compacted. Adding dry organics such as autumn leaves can help absorb excess moisture. Turn the pile frequently to allow it to dry out a bit and to ensure that enough air is able to circulate. Make sure that food waste is buried into the pile or covered with a 2.5-cm (1-in) layer of soil.

Can I compost in winter?
Cold weather will not destroy your compost. The outside may freeze, but the centre of the pile will still be decomposing, just at a slower rate. You can continue to add material to your pile throughout the winter. In the spring, the decomposition process will speed up again.

How long will it take? This will vary. If your kitchen and yard waste is in small pieces, the process will be faster. Similarly, frequent turning will speed up the process. Typically, a well maintained pile will create finished compost within two to four months.

When compost is ready for use, it will be dark and crumbly like soil and the original kitchen and yard waste should no longer be recognizable. Screen the compost through a wire mesh to remove the larger chunks of material. Add these back to the compost pile to finish their decomposition.

How do I discourage animals?
A well maintained pile should not attract animals. However, if you live in an area that has a high population of raccoons, rats or other pests, you may wish to "pest-proof" your bin before you begin composting. Line the outside and bottom of your bin completely with heavy-gauge hardware cloth or galvanized wire. Be sure to use a bin with a tight-fitting lid that can be secured. For more information on pest-proofing your composter see Pestproofing your compost bin.