You could also consider vermicomposting, which is a method that involves dirt and earthworms. The compost is created really quickly, as the worms eat the scraps and produce the sweet-smelling mixture within days. There are really cool college campuses that use this technology to deal with all the cafeteria waste. There are also some supergreen dudes who keep worm-composting bins in their kitchen. I have to admit that I couldn't deal with having earthworms in my kitchen on any level. That being said, I am now using worms in my regular compost bin, and they are chomping up all that waste at a very pleasing rate. If you're worried about your compost bin smelling or attracting pests, worms are the way to go. They are really easy to get. Just go to The Worm Farm (www.thewormfarm.com), and this company will tell you exactly how many you need for your specific bin and will mail them to you. I promise you don't even need to touch one; when the bag comes, you just cut it open, turn it upside down, and the warms that are packed in earth will easily slide into your bin.

Things You Can Compost

Paper napkins
Pet hair
Wood chips
Hay
Old wedding bouquet
Pine needles
Old herbs
Paper towels
Potato peelings weeds
Coffee grounds
Sawdust
Shredded newspaper
Old pasta
Soy milk
Nut shells
Apple cores
Cooked rice
Grocery receipts
Matches
Freezer-burned vegetables
Post-it notes
Lint from behind refrigerator
Popcorn
Spices
Leaves
Birdcage cleanings
Grass clippings
Stale bread
Wood ashes
Tea bags
Egg shells
Corncobs
Tree bark
Moldy cheese
Outdated yogurt
Wool socks
Vacuum cleaner bag contents
Seaweed and kelp

Find more things you can compost in Sopie Uliano's book Gorgeously Green!