Yard wastes can be composted without a bin if you don't mind the appearance of an unconfined compost mound in your yard. The only costs are your time and effort and the benefits are a rich soil amendment, reduced waste to the landfills, and wonderful fresh veggies and flowers.

What You Need

• shovel or pitchfork
• work gloves

Building a Compost Mound

Find a good location and pile your yard waste in a mound about 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet (1meter x 1 meter x 1 meter). If you cover the pile with a layer of soil, it will keep in moisture for the micro-organisms and soil animals working to make compost.

Adding Wastes

Add wastes as they become available. Non-wood materials such as grass clippings and garden wastes work best.

Maintaining Your Compost

It's best to have two piles. After the first pile is large enough, stop adding organic material and let the material in the pile age or decompose. In the meantime, add your wastes to the second pile. Make sure the piles are kept moist, especially if they are not covered with soil.

You can turn the pile to speed composting process. Compost should be ready in three to four months if a good compostable mixture of organic materials is used and the pile is turned regularly. It will be ready in about one year if you don't turn the pile.