Organic matter requires about two to three months to break down in hot compost piles, and up to a year or more in cold composting systems. But if you add a compost starter or accelerator to your ...

They feed on the waste, breaking it down into hot compost. Don't put large quantities of the same waste in the heap together, particularly grass clippings. Instead, mix a variety of other waste.

Turn your heap periodically to get more air in. A cold compost heap doesn't mean it isn't decomposing, just that the process will take a little longer.