I took one of those compost making classes here in Austin last year.Their suggestions were for smaller piles or bins,and when I told them what I did for my size pile ,they said that they didn't think it would work on a small pile.I throw all kinds of stuff in mine,that was once alive,along with water and fresh horse manure.The only thing different I've done this year,is I ran the first 10 bags of leaves thru a shredder and then spread manure and waterd and then put about 12 more bags of unshredded leaves and a bag or 2 of fresh cut rye grass,grass clippings.Now all I have to do is wait.