If the compost has a bad odor

• Problem: Not enough air. Not enough water. Too small.
• Solutions: Turn it, add dry material if the pile is too wet.

If the center of the pile is dry

• Problem: Lack of nitrogen.
• Solutions: Moisten and turn the pile.

If the compost is damp and warm only in the middle

• Problem: Pile is too small.
• Solutions: Collect more material and mix the old ingredients into a new pile.

If the heap is damp and sweet-smelling but still will not heat up

• Problem: Lack of nitrogen.
• Solutions: Mix in a nitrogen source like fresh grass clippings, manure or fertilizer.

If large, undecomposed items are still in the mix

• Problem: Low surface area.
• Solutions: Remove items, and chop or shred large items.