May 10, 2022 · In large-scale composting, organic materials are piled into long windrows, always 5-8 feet high (1.5-2.5m), 14-16 feet wide (3.5-5m) and as long as necessary. Materials are put down in proper sequence: ★ Coarser materials, such as twigs, stalks and chipped branches, which decompose faster, are placed in the bottom layer.