Home composting requires placing a compost bin in a sunny, well-drained spot. The bin needs greens like food scraps for nitrogen and moisture, as well as browns like cardboard and leaves for carbon and structure. With the right mix of materials and ensuring air flow, the compost will break down over time due to worms, beetles and microbes. Problems can arise if the mix is too wet or dry, or if it becomes anaerobic without enough oxygen.