My used bedding pile is composting really nicely. If you have lots of rain, you need to turn it some. It's been exceptionally dry here lately, so I have not turned it, simply left a giant pile on the side of the property. Underneath the top layer, it's making itself into gorgeous compost.

If you spread it out in a thick layer, it turns into a matt almost like newspaper does. No good. If you burn it and use the ashes, be aware of the possibility of the pH altering in your soil.