Abstract: The invention is a monitoring device for use in composting comprising a system controller, a wireless communication controller, at least one sensor, a rechargeable power cell and a recharging means, with a power consumption rate of less than 0.50 W-hrs/day. The invention includes a method of using the compost monitoring device in conjunction with a receiving device that includes suitable algorithms to interpret the sensor data to provide a user with recommended actions for maintaining the compost.