Types of Composter
There are several different types of composter/biodegrading process. They have slightly different purposes and will take different types of waste, so it's important to choose the right one

A few common ways of composting are explained below, but there are other methods such as using Effective Micro-organisms (Bokashi composting) and High Fibre composting.

Standard COLD Composter
A cold compost heap makes compost in 6-12 months, where you fill the bin over a period of weeks or months as materials from the garden, or vegetable peelings from the kitchen become available. This works in a standard compost bin.

Standard HOT Composter
Again, using a standard composter, but much quicker. Can take as few as 12 weeks to produce compost. Instead of adding a bit at a time, a hot heap is formed when a lot of waste is added all at once - useful in the summer when there is lots to do in the garden. Within a few days the heap begins to feel hot. The heat is generated by the microbes working to decompose the material.

Wormery
Wormeries are special composters which contain large numbers of worms. They are mainly for kitchen waste such as:

Potato peelings

Cooked vegetable leftovers

Dog hair

Apple peel

Cardboard

Leafmold
Fallen autumn leaves are very slow to decay. They can be added to a standard composter, but try and chop them up first. Large quantities can be dealt with separately to make leafmould. Collect the leaves, water them and place in a plastic sack. Punch a few holes in the side and after 12 months it can be used as mulch around plants. If left for 18-24 months, it should be decayed enough to dig into the soil as a rich brown compost.

Weed Heap
Perennial weeds (like dandelions) are also best separated from the rest of your compost, as you need to make sure they don't grow again. Pile up a balance of brown/green composting material then cover with a plastic bag which is weighed down at the edges. The resulting compost can be used after a year or two, once all signs of life have gone.

Green Cone
The Green Cone is a food digester. It isn't actually a composter as it doesn't produce compost. It does, however, break down food waste that would otherwise go in the bin. The green cone will take almost all kitchen waste including:

Cooked Food

Meat

Bones

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