Decomposition needs air. Turn or poke the contents of your composter every week to allow air to penetrate. If it is too dry, water them or add squishy fruit and vegetable scraps. Involve your family with the care and feeding of your composter, and soon it will be part of the household routine. Your compost could be ready in approximately three months depending on conditions.
Sunny locations produce compost faster.
Compost is finished when it looks soil like and crumbly, with few identifiable lumps. Compost with some unfinished lumps is fine for use in your garden. Plan to harvest your compost twice a year. Composters are sold at hardware stores or garden centres and specialty stores. Call your local retailer to determine availability of models, features and prices.