I agree with David. My compost bins consist of 2 wooden 3'x3' side by side compartments. One I fill with compostable material and regardless of how full it is I completely turn over the contents into the adjacent bin about once a month thus introducing lots of air (bacteria and fungus need oxygen) also this mixes up the stuff. As has been said, compost heaps need heat. I find that grass cuttings are ideal to start the process off as they produce lots of heat. It is essential though to turn the heap as the grass will only end up as a sluggy mess. Large stems i.e. cabbage etc must be cut up small and egg shells broken up as they can take quite a while to break down. Finally, its a good idea to add layers of broken up straw or hay with the other waste especially the grass cuttings as this allows trapped air (essential for breakdown) also produces a better mix. Regardless of what others will say, a compost heap requires aerobic conditions for the bacterial breakdown, not turning the heap produces Anaerobic conditions (oxygen lacking).
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