It is your compost heap and you do what works for you. What has it got to do with anyone else?
We don't cut things up, but that is only because we generate so much material with it being a big garden and our heap takes 2 years to be ready.
If I had the time and the energy I would shred everything before it went into the heap, which is basically the same as cutting things up.

Wonderful, thanks OB, just what I wanted to hear.

Why not laugh at him because he doesn't?
(I don't either but I know I should really))

I cut stuff up small before it goes in the compost bin ... as mine are 'Dalek' style ones I do believe it helps it rot down quicker. Do as you please Hank ... never mind what your friend says!

Do you get compost out of your bin Hank? Yes? Then carry on and ignore 'know-it-all'!

I always cut things up first. It breaks down quicker and makes for more even distribution.

If you want to be polite, just tell him you want it ready quicker than it would be if you didn't chop it up, because that's the effect it has, it all rots down quicker. Although actually, soft green foliage and stems rot really quick even if they're not chopped up, but the semi ripe and woodier stuff takes a lot longer, and that's the stuff you cut up if you have the time.

If you watch Monty on Gardener's World he puts his through a chipper and turns it regularly - but who's got the time or inclination? Our heap gets rooted through by our chickens and may take longer, but still works.

Thanks for the replies, I'll carry on as before.

I wonder if I can sneak some chickens onto my property here in New York. I fancy me some butt fresh eggs in the morning. I know certain breeds are very very quiet.

The ones down our road are very very noisy...

and down ours Stera :o(

hank the science is 'by cutting up' you increase the surface area for the bacteria/fungi etc to work on. so yes it is faster.
have done various experiments on time frame, surface area, temperature moisture etc.
small pieces in warmth and damp conditions rots fastest.

My husband always insists that I cut everything to about 6" as he says it will rot down quicker. It's a bit of a chore but he does seem to be right.

He is but if you have several bins you can afford to wait...

Six inches A ? I cut everything to less than half an inch.

It's a wonder no-one has told me to " get a life " !

Its whatever turns you on Hank...

Ooh, Hank, half an inch? That's real dedication!