Yes and no. If you are hot composting, the hot temperature of the pile will kill weed seeds. If you are more of a laid-back composter, it is best to avoid weeds that have gone to seed. In general, it is best to avoid noxious weeds in the compost pile and instead place them in your green waste cart.

A pile heats up because of the activity of the decomposers (bacteria, fungi, and bigger creatures such as sow bugs and worms), not because of the heat from the sun. It is best to place your bin out of direct sunlight so that the pile doesn't dry out too quickly.

Although meet and dairy products are compostable, you shouldn't put them in your home composting bin because they can attract flies, rodents and other pests.

Large-scale composting facilities that process the food waste from curbside collection programs are designed and managed to handle all food waste, including meat and dairy.

Check the moisture. Ants are not harmful to the compost process but can be discouraged from nesting by adding moisture and turning the pile.

It is best to put your backyard bin directly on the soil and out of the direct sun. Placing it on the soil (instead of concrete) allows decomposers easy access to the pile. Direct sun can dry out a pile and require more careful monitoring of the moisture. Over time the sun can also damage the integrity of a plastic bin. Most important is to place your bin in a convenient location that allows for easy access and use.