If you only have room for one bin, harvest finished compost from the bottom of the pile and keep layering fresh material on top of the pile. Some compost bins have a door at the bottom for easy harvesting. With other bins, use a pitchfork to scoop out the actively composting material into a pile until you reach the finished compost. Fork out the finished compost into a wheel barrow. Return the active pile into your bin. This can be a bit of work, but it's a great way to turn your pile while reaping the benefit of finished compost.

Another method if you have one bin is to stop feeding it for a month and then harvest the bulk of the compost, returning large uncomposted bits back into the pile for further composting.

The ideal is to set up two bins. Use one for active composting (the bin which you are currently adding material). When that bin is full begin using the second bin. The first bin should have time to finish composting before the second is full. Harvest from the first bin before beginning the cycle again.

A three-bin system is a great bin for ongoing composting. For more information, including building instructions, check the Build or Buy a Compost Bin page.