Experiments on food waste composting under the temperate and dry conditions of Mexico City showed that the waste stabilized faster (within 2 months) if an 'accelerator' (chopped orange peel and carrot bagasse) was used. The relatively cool and humid conditions prevailing during similar experiments in Xalapa City inhibited decomposition, and stabilization of waste, with or without accelerator, was generally slower than in Mexico City. However, addition of wood chips as a bulking agent greatly improved composting in Xalapa, leading to stabilization in just 35 days.Use of the accelerator increases the initial C/N ratio in the waste. This permits rapid utilization of any easily degradable sugars, which in turn supports rapid multiplication of mesophilic microorganisms.