It takes one year to compost if you leave the pile alone, a few months if you aerate the pile weekly or several weeks if you turn the pile every two or three days.The pile will shrink to 20 to 70 percent depending on the organic materials it contains.

Do I need a bin?
You do not need a bin to compost. Some choose a bin to keep the pile neat, help retain heat and moisture or live in a neighborhood where a bin would be more appropriate than an open pile.
Many people choose to make their own compost bin using concrete blocks, wooden pallets, wire mesh or garbage cans.
How much moisture does the pile need?
The decomposition process will slow down if there is too little or too much moisture. About 50 to 60 percent moisture is needed in the pile. At this moisture level, the pile should feel like a wrung out sponge. If the compost pile is too moist, it will stagnate and produce unpleasant odours. If that happens add dry leaves paper or sawdust to absorb the excess moisture. Most often compost piles are too dry, which slows down the composting process.
How much air is needed?
The compost pile needs ventilation throughout the process. Anaerobic (no air) piles smell bad, compost slowly and produce dense wet smelly compost. Aerobic piles with oxygen throughout will produce little or no odor. To aerate the pile, turn the organic materials with a digging fork or shovel. If you are unable to turn the compost pile, poke it with a broom handle to help air flow into the pile. You can also layer small branches to allow air flow.
How hot should the pile get?
Heat will be given off as microorganisms feed on waste. Temperatures need to reach over 54 degrees Celsius in the pile to kill pathogens that are harmful to humans and pets and over 60 degrees Celsius to destroy weed seeds. If the temperature in the pile climbs to over 66 degrees Celsius it can kill decomposers and slow the composting process.
Managing your compost pile
Mix and turn your pile every two or three days, moving the material from the outside to the centre. Within two to six days the pile should reach temperatures above 54 degrees Celsius.
After a few weeks the pile will cool down.
At that point turn the pile every few days and add water if needed. When heating ceases, cover the pile with a weed barrier and let it cure for six to twelve weeks.
During that time mist the compost to keep it slightly damp and poke it occasionally to let air in.
As the compost cures, nitrogen will increase, particles will shrink, organic acids will dissipate and pH will stabilise and move closer to neutral.
Written By Clifford Stanley