One way to shred leaves is to mow the lawn before raking, collecting the shredded leaves in the mower bag. It takes at least 3-4 cubic feet of shredded material to form a compost pile. The compost pile should be located 'in a warm area and protected from overexposure to wind and too much direct sunlight. While heat and air facilitate composting, overexposure dries the materials. The location should not offend neighbors.
Nitrogen accelerates composting.
Good sources include fresh grass clippings, manure, bloodmeal and nitrogenous fertilizer. Lime should be used sparingly if at all. It enhances decomposition, but too much causes nitrogen loss, and it usually isn't necessary unless the pile contains large amounts of pine and spruce needles or fruit wastes. The compost pile and its enclosure should be well ventilated. Some decay will occur without oxygen, but the process is slow and causes odors.