A can of beer dumped into the pile will serve just as well. For quicker compost, chip or shred material into smaller pieces. Not every waste product should be composted, however. Grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste is usually fine. Avoid composting material from diseased plants or chemically treated areas.
Some kitchen waste is acceptable too, such as peels from vegetables and fruit.
No animal products or oils should be put in the composter, because they will smell bad and attract pests. Some paper products, such as newspapers, can be placed in the compost pile as well, if they do not contain toxic inks or other chemicals. Once the material has decomposed, it will take up much less space and resemble rich soil. You may wish to sift the compost through an old screen, leaving the larger pieces to compost longer. Spread it on your garden as you would apply fertilizer, and water after application.