I filled a large bin (about 3' by 3') with shredded leaves last fall. This spring the pile looked the same, so about 3 weeks ago I emptied the bin and layered the leaves with used coffee grounds from Starbucks. Sure enough, the heap started heating up, and for 2 weeks temperature was approx. 120 degrees. Last week, temp went down to 100 degrees, so I turned the pile and wetted it. As of today, temperature has not gone back up - hovers around 80 degrees. Pile still does not look like finished compost. Should I add more coffee grounds or just let it be? I'm still a little confused as to whether I need to keep adding to the pile, or just layer it and let it do its thing, and in the meantime start another pile? Thanks for all your help.

If you want hot, (you could do cold, it just takes longer), just keep tinkering with your mixture Greens,Browns,water air, and you will do fine,

Thanks for posting pictures - something I can aspire to do. Not sure what you mean by tinkering - are you suggesting I should keep adding fresh material to the pile? Like more coffee grounds and leaves and kitchen scraps? Won't this prolong the process? I did start another pile, and it has started to heat up (to 120 degrees), and this is the pile to which I have been adding fresh materials. I wish I had as much space as you do.

I look at my pile and if I see "recognizable" ingredients, I add more...... (whatever looks like it is lacking)... usually greens (grass clippings etc). and get her hot again.

Layer of soil will help to clear any odours, and micro-organisms in the soil will accelerate the composting process!!!.BROWN AND GREEN MATERIAL IS NEEDED. Once you know it all you learn nothing..... You are talking HOT. Cold takes longer but can be easy and not require all that turning however watch what you put in a cold compost pile like weeds cause there is no heat to kill. Cold results in a better compost but takes much much longer. Most go with the hot because it is quik.
If you dont have the space then go with HOT.