Share Composting provides you with a free soil amendment to improve both gardens and houseplants and, because raw ingredients include many items you throw into the trash, can reduce your household 's weekly garbage output by up to 30 percent (see References 1). When considering keeping a heap of garbage in your backyard or inside your home, however, you might understandably question how to control pests and odors. Or, if you're anticipating the rewards of your first batch of compost, you might wonder how you can speed up the process. Choosing a Location If you're starting an outdoor compost bin or pile, choose a dry, shady spot in your yard to obtain the best performance from your compost. However, consider that a convenient location makes it more likely that you're going to give the pile the attention it needs to compost quickly. Build your pile near a water source so that you can more easily moisten dry patches when they occur. (See References 2) Also, store your compost near the garden where you plan to use it; when it's ready, you'll only need to move it over a few feet (see References 3, page 3). Container Considerations While open piles work perfectly fine, many homeowners prefer to confine their compost inside a container. Compost containers range from homemade cages made from wire and wood, where you need spend very little for materials, to sleek plastic bins and tumblers that sell for several hundred dollars (see References 4). Cost and aesthetics