QUESTION: How long does it take for food scraps to turn into compost?
ANSWER: Depending on the size of your compost pile, what you put in it and how you tend to it, the decomposition process that transforms your food scraps into compost can take anywhere from three months to two years. You will know that your compost is ready when it starts to cool, turns a rich, dark brown color, breaks down into small, soil-like particles and begins to smell earthy. At this point, your compost is ready to use.