Composting is the process where organic wastes (grasses, leaves, kitchen scraps and garden debris) are converted into a highly desirable, organic, soil-like material. Gardeners have used compost for centuries to increase organic matter in the soil, improve soil physical properties, and supply some of the essential nutrients for plant growth.

"Bugs" in the form of natural bacteria, worms, fungi, and a variety of invertebrates help turn food and yard waste into compost. The larger bugs process organic wastes physically by tearing or breaking it apart. The smaller bugs process material chemically, by eating it. It is the small bugs that release nutrients in a form that plants can absorb. The bugs work together, feeding in your pile (and on each other), to break down materials. These bugs need a moist environment to thrive. Some of these bugs feed directly on the waste, while others feed on the bacteria in the pile. As they feed on the compost pile, they generate a lot of heat, which also helps the material decompose. The internal temperature is dependent upon the microbial activity, not heat from the sun.