Here is a look at how to build different types of compost heaps.

Number one: Earthworm composter
This method is not very well known but is a great way to turn your kitchen scraps and leftovers into compost, as an added bonus you can grow worms to use for fishing. To start this process you will need a plastic bin with a solid lid. You will need to put some holes in the lid for some ventilation and some holes in the bottom of the bin for a sewage system. To begin the compost heap you can add some soil from your yard, some type of paper, leaves, and kitchen scraps. The final touch is adding the worms. (Worms can be bought at hardware stores, mail order or fishing stores.) Keep in mind that you cannot add too much organic material at once, and that you have to make sure that the worms do not dry out or drown. The best temperatures for this type of compost heap are between freezing and thirty degrees Celsius.

Number two: Compost heap
This is the easiest form of a compost heap to build. All you have to do is pick a spot in your yard and pile your organic materials into a heap. As you have new materials you can simply add it to the top of your heap. Just keep in mind that the taller the heap grows the more it is going to spread out and this method is not the fastest method to make compost because of how big the surface of the pile is it will lose heat and moisture.

Number three: Fenced compost heap
This type of compost site is an extension of the compost heap. Instead of throwing everything into a huge pile that will spread out the bigger it gets, you will be putting a fence around the heap to contain the materials. Being that the heap is surrounded by a fence it is easier to cover to help protect it from the rain, which can wash away important minerals.

Number four: Compost box
This site is similar to the fenced compost site except that you are using a box shape rather than around shape and the outside of the box is made with wooden bars (pallets from grocery stores are perfect) or plastic. Some advantages to this type of compost site compared to a heap or a fenced site are it has more stability, can have an opening at ground level to remove the finished compost, and you can stack more boxes on top of it to make it higher rather than having to start a new site. There is also the three-box-system, which has three boxes connected together side by side. This can allow for easier turning and storage of extra materials.

Number five: Compost bins
These can be made out of old garbage cans or barrels. You will need to drill holes in the bottom and sides of the barrel or garbage can. The holes are used to ensure proper ventilation and ground contact, which will allow the microorganisms and earthworms to get into the bin. You should also think about using a lid to help keep the rodents away. You can also use a bin with no holes, although the lack of fresh air will greatly slow the process.