Fall leaves are an ideal choice. Collect fall leaves for use in your composter during the winter. If possible, shred the leaves using a lawnmower or trimmer. Smaller pieces decompose faster and take up less space. Store your leaves in a closed garbage can or similar container.
Leaves stored in bags can become a nesting site for rodents.
And, if leaves are left outside, make sure they are protected from wind, rain and snow. While the helpful decomposer bacteria in your pile continue to work in temperatures as low as -15 degrees C, you can create additional heat by insulating your bin. Don't worry if the outer edges of your pile are freezing. The decomposition process is still working in the centre of your pile and the freezing process will actually help break down organics, allowing the material to decompose more rapidly when the warm spring weather arrives. Turning the pile Turning the pile in winter may release too much heat.