Composting takes several months to turn scraps into usable compost. A rest period, meaning nothing new is added to the compost, is necessary for the process. For example, spend the winter and spring adding material to your compost and then let the pile rest for the summer and fall. Or add compost until your scraps are large enough to use once they are broken down. Then let your pile rest. Having two or more compost areas is helpful and will allow for rotation.