Choose a bin with drainage and airflow
Place the bin on bare soil or a well-drained surface
Add a layer of brown materials at the bottom
Add a layer of green materials on top
Keep a balance of browns and greens
Chop large scraps into smaller pieces
Add kitchen scraps in the center of the pile
Cover food scraps with browns
Keep the pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge
Turn or mix the pile regularly
Avoid meat, dairy, oils, and pet waste
Add water if the pile gets too dry
Add more browns if the pile gets too wet
Continue layering materials as you fill the bin