• Compost yard waste, fruits, vegetables, and coffee grounds at home. To get started, purchase a bin and place it on a grass or soil base that is easily accessible to your home.

• Composting can begin any time of the year, but many people start in the Fall when leaves are abundant.

• Organic materials should be mixed, adding water as needed so that the materials feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge.

• Turn your compost pile after a few weeks so that the outside layers are exchanged with the center of the pile.

• Composting should produce only a rich earthy smell. If a sharp ammonia smell is produced it is usually due to too much grass and not enough paper. Add some shredded paper and mix in to get it smelling sweet again.