1. Break it up
When it comes to the compost heap, the general rule is that the bigger it is, the longer it takes to decompose. For fast compost, break up the materials.
2. Build a pallet bin
Make a bin from timber pallets. They’re available to buy new or recycled, so search online for suppliers. The spaces between the boards allow air to circulate through the material in the bin.
3. Bury your scraps
Collect plant-based kitchen scraps in a plastic canister. When it’s full, take it outside, dig a hole and bury the scraps. In a few weeks, it turns to black gold. TIP Pick a different burial spot each time.
4. Bag up leaves
Rake crumbled leaves and pack them into plastic bags that you’ve poked holes through. Dampen the leaves and tie the tops of the bags, then wait at least six months for them to break down.
5. Ditch the smell
To stop compost getting too whiffy, just add leaves or other non-wet materials such as newspaper to the pile, then mix. They’ll help dry out the pile and eliminate the smell.