A bin that keeps your composting materials all together is also a good idea. It should allow plenty of air circulation through it. The picture to the right is just a suggestion but you can make your own. A garbage can with holes poked in the sides is one option. Garbage bags can also be used or you can buy ready-made composters.
Some folks just make a pile right on the ground.
The next step is to decide on the size. Your needs for humus plus the amount of material to be composted enter into this decision. You may choose one large pile or several smaller ones. Different compost heaps may be ready at different times for year-round usage. The first layer should be made up of course material such as leaves, weeds, stalks or hay to allow ventilation at he bottom.