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It is essentially the same process as natural decomposition except that it is enhanced and accelerated by mixing organic waste with other ingredients in a manner that optimizes microbial growth.

The compost pile will pass through a wide range of temperatures over the course of the active composting period. As the temperature varies, conditions will become unsuitable for some microorganisms while at the same time become ideal for others. Initially, as the microbial population begins to consume the most readily degradable material in the compost pile and grow in size, the heat generated by the microbial activity will be trapped by the self-insulating compost material. As the heat within the pile accumulates, the temperature of the compost pile will begin to rise becoming inhabited by a diverse population of microorganisms operating at peak growth and efficiency. This intense microbial activity sustains the vigorous heating that is necessary for the destruction of pathogens, fly larvae, and weed seeds. The diversity of the microbial population also allows the decomposition of a wide range of material from simple, easily degradable material to more complex, decay resistant ones such as cellulose. The temperatures will continue to rise and peak between 130-160 degrees F. Once this peak is reached, microbial activity begins to decrease in response to a depletion in readily degradable material or excessively high temperatures that are detrimental to their function.

Efficient composting requires that the initial compost mix have:

• A balanced source of energy (carbon) and nutrients (primarily

nitrogen), typically with a C:N ratio of 20:1 to 40:1

• Sufficient moisture, typically 40 to 60 percent

• Sufficient oxygen for an aerobic environment, typically 5 percent or

greater

• A pH in the range of 6 to 8

These compost mix characteristics must be maintained throughout the composting process as well.

The proper proportion of the material to be composted combined with amendments, and bulking agents is commonly called the compost mix or the “recipe”. A composting amendment is any item added to the compost mixture that alters the moisture content, carbon:nitrogen ratio (C:N), or pH. Crop residue, leaves, grass, straw, hay, and peanuts hulls are examples of the material suitable for use as a compost amendment.. A bulking agent is used primarily to improve the ability of the compost to be self-supporting or have structure, and to allow internal air movement. Wood chips is an example of bulking agent. Some bulking agents may alter the moisture content and/or C:N ratio. This type of material would serve as both an amendment and a bulking agent.

There are a number of methods that are used to compost organic wastes. These include:

• Passive Composting Pile

• Windrow

• Passively Aerated

• Windrow

• Aerated Static Pile

• In-vessel

Dead animal composting generally employs the in-vessel method using composting bins.

Dead animals may also be composted using the windrow method. This is considered the preferable method for composting larger dead animals.