These days, recycling is one of the main concerns in households and compost bins have become an important part of garbage disposal. Not only does help to give your garden nutrient-rich soil, but it also puts your kitchen scraps to work rather than adding to the trash. But no matter your reason for wanting to get the best compost bins, here are some of the best options for you to choose from, depending on your budget.
Table of Contents
Composting Basics
The first thing you need to know is that composting is healthy for the environment since it helps to lessen our need for landfills to dispose of waste. As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste makes up the biggest component of solid wastes in landfills and releases tons of methane gas which impacts climate change. This gas is created through the production of food decay within the stagnant and airless environment of landfills.
Apart from reducing greenhouse gases and waste, having outdoor compost bins come with many other benefits. When you add compost to the soil, it minimizes the need for pesticides and fertilizers while increasing water retention. Soil that’s rich in nutrients results in healthier vegetables and fruits; below is a sample list of what you can compost and what not to compost.
Do Compost:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps such as banana peels
- Tea bags, coffee grinds, and filters
- Cooked and uncooked grains
- Stale cereals
- Eggshells
- Anything made of flour
- Old spices
- Wood chips and wood shavings
Don’t Compost:
- Fish or meat scraps
- Dairy products
- Oil and grease
These items tend to decompose slowly compared to fruits and vegetables; they’re also more smelly and will attract bugs when added to the compost pile in your garden.
Why You Should Use Compost Bins
Using a compost bin is a must-have when you want to transition to a zero-waste lifestyle; as such, take the food scraps such as coffee grounds and egg shells over to your compost. However, you can also bring your composting to the next level by installing a kitchen compost bin — this can be a great way to put food waste to better use while keeping insects at bay. The good news is that indoor compost bins are often convenient, inexpensive, and a good way to get started with composting.
Different Compost Bin Setups
Before you go online to try and find the best compost bins available, it’s important to understand how to have them set up inside your kitchen. Doing this will ensure that you stick with this new addition while having a specific place where your compost bin will always be located.
Using a Pullout Cabinet
When you don’t want to see your compost bucket right over the kitchen counter, you can always store it inside a pullout cabinet. Inside this space, the pail will stay out of sight as long as the cabinet door remains closed, and when it’s placed next to your trash can, it can be easily accessed. This can also be lined with compost bags to ensure easy cleanup, but if you get a dishwasher-safe option, you won’t even need to do this.
Recessed Countertop Bin
Getting a stainless steel composting bin flush-mounted onto your countertop can help to collect food waste; this under-the-counter pail can be removed easily for cleaning. Moreover, you can pair it with a tight-fitting lid to help mitigate odors and to keep insects away. Using this option will help to keep your compost bin out of sight and out of mind while composting discreetly.
Creating a Custom Drawer
If you have a bigger cabinet in your kitchen, you can have an 18-inch compost bin cleverly customized to have it integrated into your space, keeping it out of sight. You can keep prepping your meals on the island while sweeping food scraps into your drawer. Scraps that aren’t compostable can then be swept over to the garbage bin which is located next to or close to your compost bin.
Inside the Undersink Drawer
When you have limited or awkward spaces below your sink, you can always hide the compost, garbage, or recycling under the sink’s drawer. By doing this, you can access your bins simply by opening the drawer; all you need to do is attach your bin to the cabinet door.
Leaving it in Plain Sight
If you don’t mind seeing your compost bin around the kitchen, you can always just leave it somewhere you can see it. You can leave it on the island or in corners around the kitchen — you can even add some texture through wood cabinetry. Otherwise, you can leave it as is on the floor of your kitchen as part of your waste management system.
The Best Kitchen Compost Bins
When you want to get the best option for your kitchen, be sure to check out these compost pails, all of which come with different features and fit different budgets.
1. Cooler Kitchen 1.3 Gallon Steel Compost Bin
Highlights:
- Keep odor away using the activated charcoal filter that traps and absorbs smell to repel fruit flies.
- With a light-lift lid that lets you open the compost bin without the hassle of a clasp or lock for convenience.
- This high-quality compost bin requires no assembly; this stainless steel bin won’t stain, rust, or retain odors.
- Comes with a removable plastic liner and handle to make cleaning easy; the interior bucket makes it leakproof and is even dishwasher safe.
- A great composting bin that won’t just help you in the kitchen but will also help save the planet from getting even more waste.
When you want a reliable compost bin, make sure to look for the Cooler Kitchen 1.3 Gallon Steel Compost Bin, which comes with a thick, activated charcoal filter that will keep your kitchen smelling clean and fresh. It comes with a secure lid that’s easy to open and effectively blocks off smell from escaping while keeping fruit flies away, making it a great choice for homes, offices, and more. It’s also a high-quality option that doesn’t require any assembly, providing you with a modern-looking compost bin that boasts a sturdy construction.
2. RED FACTOR Premium Compost Bin
Highlights:
- Comes in an attractive and stylish design with a dome-shaped lid, so you can place it right over your kitchen countertop.
- This completely odorless compost bin allows you to add all kinds of food scraps without having to worry about bad smells.
- Offers ease of use and can hold a significant amount of food scraps while its minimal footprint ensures that it won’t take up too much space.
- Equipped with dual-filter technology that comes with an active carbon ingredient along with holes in the lid for proper ventilation during hot days.
- Promises a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee; if you’re not satisfied with this product, simply call RED FACTOR for a refund or exchange of the product.
With the RED FACTOR Premium Compost Bin, you never have to make daily trips to the compost heap in your garden; it provides easy access while giving an elegant look to your kitchen. Built for long-term use and strength, this kitchen compost bin has been designed to resist cracks, chips, and rust while its single-sheet construction ensures a seamless form without any joints. It also comes with a soft grip handle that makes it super easy to handle — finally, it can be cleaned easily with soapy water but isn’t machine washable.
3. Stonespace Under Sink Compost Bin
Highlights:
- Designed to repel fruit flies and odors without the need for charcoal filters.
- Comes with 2 installation options; you can hang it over the cabinet door or hang it on the wall.
- This multiple-use compost bin works well with reusable grocery bags, making it suitable for use inside the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom.
- Made using non-toxic and sturdy plastic, it’s durable enough to use inside and outside of the house.
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee promise, so if you’re not happy with your purchase, you can call their customer service.
This Under Sink Compost Bin by Stonespace can be easily used and installed; you can either use the included mount accessory to hang it over your cabinet door or you can hang it on the wall using some adhesive tape. It also comes with a space-saving design — this countertop compost bin is also easy to clean using some soap and water. Because it comes with an environmentally friendly design and constructed using strong plastic, you can use it virtually anywhere in your home.
4. Exaco ECO 2000-NP Kitchen Compost Pail
Highlights:
- Can hold 2.4 gallons of organic waste and is made from high-density Polyethylene for durability and strength.
- Designed to work with hooks and screws to be placed under the sink or kitchen cabinet.
- Comes with a carbon filter that helps to reduce any odors; simply call their hotline for replacement filters.
- Features a handle so you can carry waste easily to your composter outside.
- Made in Canada, offering a 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
Those who want to get started on their composting journey should look no further than the Exaco ECO 2000-NP Kitchen Compost Pail. When you want to send waste to your garden rather than the landfill, this great compost collector can sit directly over your counter without producing pungent odors. With a simple green design, you can easily coordinate it with your existing décor and it offers a practical way to collect waste and turn it into compost.
5. Home Zone Living Electric Composter
Highlights:
- A great electric composter for your home that can deliver dehydrated pre-compost to use in your outdoor garden.
- Helps to reduce food waste by up to 80% while reducing the odor created by food waste compared to traditional trash cans.
- Features a compact design that comes with a large capacity that can carry up to 3 liters for you can use in your kitchen.
- Comes with an auto cleaning mode and an automatic power-off function so you can leave everything without worrying about anything.
- You’ll love the fact that this company offers USA-based support so you can speak to their customer loyalty team without any hassles.
If you’re looking for a more technologically advanced option, you can’t go wrong with the Home Zone Living Electric Composter; it not only comes with an activated carbon filter but many other features. This includes a quiet operation with noise levels of 45dB and under, an Auto-Cleaning mode that starts at the push of a button, and an Auto-Power Off function that shuts down the system once the cooling cycle is finished. However, it’s important to check the water tray once every 2 to 3 weeks and empty it to ensure that this electric composter works at its best.
6. BLUE GINKGO Kitchen Compost Bin
Highlights:
- Comes with a modern and convenient design that makes composting much easier.
- A lightweight, sturdy, and easy-to-clean option that gives you a clean and no-fuss disposal experience.
- This modern food waste bin can contain odors without the need for charcoal filters that add to costs.
- Small enough to fit on the kitchen countertop or under the sink, making it easy to use and store.
- Comes with a 2.6 liter capacity, making it the perfect choice for a two-person household.
The compact and efficient Kitchen Compost Bin from BLUE GINKGO is small enough to fit anywhere in your kitchen, including the countertop, making it easy to access. Whether you live on your own or with a lot of people, this can be a great addition to your home since it won’t take up much space but will hold plenty of compost for you. This great model is made in South Korea and is dishwasher safe, while the smooth interior makes it hard for food to stick, making it easy to clean.
7. 3L Electric Composter
Highlights:
- This compact composter can be used in kitchens, pantries, and gardens.
- Comes with an activated carbon filter that helps to absorb odors during the composting process.
- Has an Auto-Clean mode that will clean out the residue for you so you never have to worry about dealing with a mess.
- A 3-liter kitchen composter that comes with 2 modes so you can process daily food waste into compost.
- Works quietly enough that you can leave the cycle at night for you to wake up to compost in the morning.
You won’t believe how much compost you can make with this 3L Electric Composter; not only can you use it next to the indoor bin in your kitchen, but it’s also small enough to fit under the kitchen sink. When you want quick composting, this is a good option to consider since it comes with two great modes. The Quick and Standard Modes let you make nutritious compost in as little as 4 to 6 hours respectively.
8. OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN
Highlights:
- Comes with a unique design that keeps a bag tucked inside for a tidy look.
- Its 6.62-liter capacity makes it the perfect addition to busy kitchens.
- With a soft-close lid that keeps odors and pests away.
- Has a removable lid and a smooth interior that makes it easy to clean.
- Its stay-open lid makes it easier to toss in scraps while you work in the kitchen.
This great Good Grips EASY-CLEAN Compost Bin by OXO comes with smooth and rounded corners along with an easy, one-handed handle and lid operation. You can fill it with a wide range of fruit peels, eggshells, and wilted greens without the need for scrubbing or lingering smells afterward. While it may look like a simple plastic bucket, it can last for many years to come as long as it is hand-washed gently after every use.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the best options, it’s time to begin composting; make sure to add a used paper towel, a brown paper bag, or diatomaceous earth over your scraps every time you add to them. If you notice maggots on your compost, there’s no need to worry since they contribute to breaking down organic material. Kitchen composting is the best way to get rid of kitchen scraps and turn them into something useful, and there’s no better time to start than now.
Sources
- Kitchen Accessory Buying Guides
- Kitchen Appliance Buying Guides
- Kitchen Cookbook Buying Guides
- Kitchen Cookware Buying Guides
- Kitchen Pantry Food Buying Guides
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