Only if you turn it frequently, Hank - if you don't turn it, its just an anaerobic heap, and everything rots down much more slowly and the heat generated isn't sufficient to kill weed seedlings. Turning every few days, ensuring its wet enough, but not to wet, with something on top to keep the heat in (if its not a plastic compost bin), addition of nitrogen (just soft green leaves will do) when turning if necessary, means its aerobic and should generate more heat. It's a bit of an art, making compost that's hot enough and in a short time.

Boy, are you quick, or what ? Thanks B., for your answer, I'll do as you say.
But what temperature should it reach ?

Oh blimey, I can't remember now... have to do a bit of research, but that'll have to wait - the only reason you got a quick answer is because I nipped out the lounge to relieve the tension of watching the tennis by having a quick look on here, lol!

135-160 deg. F is the optimum, Hank. I can't believe poor old Andy lost after all that time...

But what a match, Bamboo! I have to admit I was rooting for Federer, but my estimation of Murray has gone up inleaps and bounds!

Me too Bamboo....I went and did a bit of quick dead heading, after the torrents that fell for 6 hours in the morning, to get away from the tension of all those failed first serves. Andy is unfortunate to be a top player during the Federer and Nadal era. He tries so hard and has improved so much. I have done casseroles in this now mlafunctioning compost heap, in grass cuttings, some time ago on the haybox principle.

Re the tennis, I also have this ridiculous feeling that if I'm actually bothering to watch (which I don't usually) he'll lose because I'm now watching... I know, its nonsense, but I can't help it...

Know EXACTLY what you mean, Bamboo - I've felt I've been a 'jinx' to the Welsh Rugby side because they've always lost when I've graced them with my presence! ;o)

I don't believe that plastic compost bins will ever reach the temperatures needed to rot down but I have made good compost by having three containers and turning the material from one to the other at least once a year. The worms do the rest and they should appear on their own. Any material not rotted down goes back to the beginning.
On my larger wooden bins at the allotment, I still turn them but when I take the covers off the release of steam tells me enough.

Got my compost sorted yesterday.....for anyone interested. Took out top stuff. Placed on mat on the path. Took out 6 buckets of well rotted compost and deposited around garden. Released what was left stuck above a void below into the bottom of this old concrete bunker and returned the 1/2 rotted material and gave it a good churn. Now have about a foot of room at the top to put in fresh material.....whereas before it was permanently at the top. Now I can get well rotted compost out of the hatch at the base and hope it falls down from above. Not an ache today and over 75...so pleased with myself....Thanks GOY.