How does composting work?

It is a natural process that turns organic material (things that were once living) into rich soil-like material called compost.

The organic material is broken down by micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, insects and worms and by chemical reactions. The process generates heat as decomposition takes place, and the more heat that's generated, the faster decomposition occurs!

To work properly, composting needs lots of air and moisture. There also needs to be a good balance of carbon (brown stuff) and nitrogen (green stuff) for the material to be composted well. Too much of either one will result in poor compost.