Try not to use diseased plants from the flower or vegetable garden for composting if the compost is to be returned and incorporated into the garden eventually. Although some diseases are killed by heating during compost formation, many are not affected and some of these disease organisms may be returned to the garden with the compost. If diseases have not been a problem, this precaution may not be necessary. Most garbage may also be used in the compost pile, with the exception of grease, fat, meat scraps and bones. These may attract dogs or other animals and may develop an odor during decomposition.
Fats break down slowly and greatly increase the time require before the compost can be used.
The type of compost system you use will depend on how quickly you want the material to decompose, how much material you can reasonably compost and use, and the amount of space and time you have. Composting is not difficult once you set up and get into the habit of composting. You can simply rake your ingredients into a mound. Compost bins are not necessary to make good compost, but they can help. If compost pilse are not adequately contained, decomposition will not proceed quickly and your pile may invite unwanted pests.