Best Countertop Compost Bins

How does profiting from your food scraps and other organic materials sound to you? Well, we’re guessing – Interesting! If you can cost these materials, you can reduce waste and also promote a healthier environment – A win-win.

Composting is an excellent way to turn your household and kitchen waste products into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to help plants grow. With the best countertop compost bins, you can save money on fertilizer for your plants and also have an eco-friendlier space. 

Want to know why you need a compost bin? Well, there are actually quite a few good reasons and in the course of this article, you’d get to learn a handful of them. Or maybe you’re looking for the best countertop compost bin for your kitchen, no problems! This article has got you covered! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a carefully curated list of the top-rated compost bins that are not only functional but also stylish and easy to use.

We’ve compiled details of compact designs for small kitchens to larger bins for families and avid composters. Also, we included a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. In this post, we considered factors such as durability, odor control, and ease of cleaning to ensure that each bin on our list is practical and efficient.

In addition to reviewing the major details necessary for each product, we also provided tips on how to choose the right compost bin for your specific needs, as well as some best practices for composting in general.

So whether you’re a seasoned compost enthusiast or just starting, this article will help you find the perfect countertop compost bin to make your kitchen more sustainable and eco-friendly. Ready to have your mind blown away? Alright then, let’s explore these in detail.

Importance of Composting

Composting is a natural process of recycling kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. It is also an effective way to reduce waste, save money, and benefit the environment. By disposing of kitchen scraps in an outdoor compost pile, compostable bags, or countertop compost bins, you can divert a significant amount of food scraps and yard waste to manure, where they would otherwise produce harmful greenhouse gases. Hence, producing alternative fertilizers and land resources that improve soil health, reduce water usage, and promote plant growth.

The Benefits of Using Compost Bins

1. Convenience: 

Having a countertop compost bin is a convenient and practical way to make composting a part of your daily routine. Instead of having to trek outside to your larger compost bin every time you have a scrap of food waste, you can simply toss it into the bin on your countertop. With your bin, you become more responsible with your organic waste, more likely to compost regularly, and not let any of the food scraps go to waste.

2. Saves Money: 

Instead of having to buy bags of fertilizer, you can make your own with your compost! Whether you’ve got a small garden for outdoor plants or a large farm, having a countertop compost bin can be a great way to get started with composting before you move on to a larger outdoor bin.

3. Waste Reduction: 

With compost bins, you can reduce kitchen scraps that ordinarily contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or take up valuable space. Additionally, it can teach your children or housemates the importance of sustainability and reduce your environmental impact as a household. Overall, the amount of food scraps that needs to be transported and processed would be reduced, energy would be saved and carbon emissions tallied down.

4. Eco-friendly: 

While countertop compost bins may look just simple, they are effective tools for making a positive impact on the planet. Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. 

5. Ease of Use: 

Countertop compost bins for compost can be placed on your kitchen counter or under the sink. This makes it easy to collect food scraps while cooking or cleaning up. With a sealable container for compost, you can reduce odors and pests, as well as save time and energy by avoiding frequent trips to an outdoor compost pile or bin.

6. Better Planning: 

Using a countertop compost bin can also help you become more aware of your food waste and encourage you to make better choices when it comes to meal planning and shopping. 

So, there you have it! Using a countertop compost bin helps you reduce kitchen scraps, contribute to a healthier environment, and save money on fertilizer while giving you convenience at your home. Now that we’ve gone through the benefits of using a compost bin, let’s take a look at the factors you should keep in mind before purchasing a countertop bin for your compost waste.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Compost Bin

1. Size and Capacity

Although most countertop compost bins are smaller in size, you should first consider the size and capacity of the compost bin that will suit your needs. Smaller compost bins would be appropriate for a single person or a small family, while a larger bin may be necessary for a household that generates more food scraps and organic materials. Also, you need to consider how often you will be emptying the bin into an outdoor composter or a community garden; and how much space you have available on your countertop or under your sink.

2. Durability and Material

Among the important factors to consider are the durability and material of the compost bin. Look out for bins made of sturdy, high-quality materials that will last for a long time. Stainless steel, ceramic, and durable plastic are popular options that most compost experts swear by. Ensure you make your pick from countertop bins that have tight lids with good grips, and are made with great-quality materials. You don’t want to experience any funky smells while composting, so make sure that there are filters (e.g carbon filters) or ventilation systems available to ensure proper airflow.

3. Odor Control

Even a slight odor can discourage you from the composting process, hence, odor control is an essential consideration when choosing a countertop compost bin. The odor from countertop compost bins may be attracting pests into your home and that can be very bad. Look for compost bins with airtight lids to prevent any unpleasant smells from escaping. Bins with replaceable carbon filters or charcoal filters that absorb odors are great picks. You can even try out a compostable liner or regularly clean the bin to minimize odors.

4. Ease of Use and Cleaning

An easy clean compost bin should also be taken into account during your selection. Look for bins with wide openings that make it easy to collect kitchen scraps and empty the bin. Always check if the bin is easy to clean at any instant. Also, consider if the filters or ventilation systems are easy to remove.

5. Price

The price of the countertop bin is an important factor to consider. Countertop compost bins range in price from budget-friendly options to higher-end models with advanced features. Match your budget with the value you will get from the bin when making your purchase decision. Keep in mind that a high-quality compost bin may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run by reducing waste from kitchen scraps and promoting sustainable living.

Top 5 Best Countertop Compost Bins

1. EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin

Features and Specifications:

• Made of high-quality stainless steel
• Capacity: 1.3 gallons
• Sealable container and an airtight lid with a replaceable charcoal filter
• Easy clean compost bin and dishwasher safe
• Comes with a free composting eBook

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Large capacity
• Odor-free thanks to the airtight lid and charcoal filter
• Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
• Free composting eBook included

Cons:

• May be too large for some countertops
• Some users report issues with the filter falling out of the lid

2. OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin

Features and Specifications:

• Made of durable plastic
• Capacity: 0.75 gallons
• Airtight lid with replaceable charcoal filter
• Smooth interior for easy cleaning
• Hinged lid stays open for easy filling

Pros:

• Durable and easy to clean
• Compact size fits easily on most countertops
• Airtight lid and charcoal filter prevent odors
• Hinged lid stays open for easy filling

Cons:

• Small capacity may not be suitable for larger households
• Some users report issues with the filter not fitting properly

3. Full Circle Breeze Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector

Features and Specifications:

• Made of recycled plastic and steel
• Capacity: 1.5 gallons
• Patented airflow system to reduce stinky smells 
• Comes with 5 compostable liners

Pros:

• Eco-friendly materials
• Large capacity
• Patented airflow system keeps odors in check
• Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
• Comes with compostable liners

Cons:

• Some users report that the lid is difficult to remove
• May be too large for some countertops

4. Chef’n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin

Features and Specifications:

• Made of ceramic and plastic with smooth interior walls
• Capacity: 3.3 quarts
• Ventilated lid with charcoal filter
• Removable inner bucket for easy cleaning
• Comes with 2 compostable liners

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Large capacity
• Ventilated lid and charcoal filter keep odors under control
• Removable inner compost pails make cleaning easy
• Comes with compostable liners

Cons:

• Heavy when full
• Some users report issues with the lid not fitting securely

5. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin

Features and Specifications:

• Made of high-quality stainless steel
• Capacity: 4.9 liters
• Airtight lid with replaceable charcoal filter
• Easy to clean bin with smooth interior walls and dishwasher safe
• Comes with a bonus free set of charcoal filters

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Large capacity
• Free from stinky smells thanks to the airtight lid and charcoal filter
• Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
• Bonus set of charcoal filters included

Cons:

• May be too large for some countertops
• Some users report issues with the filter falling out of the lid

Tips for Composting with a Countertop Compost Bin

In your composting process, you need to know what to compost, how to compost, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s start with the organic materials that you can put in your kitchen compost bin.

Organic Material to Compost:

The following are some organic matter, food scraps, and materials that you can add to your own compost pile:

1. Fruits and vegetables (including peelings and cores such as banana peels and apple cores)
2. Coffee grounds and tea bags
3. Eggshells
4. Nut shells
5. Bread and grains
6. Paper and cardboard (cut into small pieces)
7. Yard waste (such as leaves and grass clippings)
8. Plant trimmings and flowers
9. Hair and fur
10. Sawdust and wood chips (from untreated wood)

How to Make a Rich Compost

1. In your kitchen compost bin, you can collect scraps and compostable materials 
2. The countertop compost bin should be emptied frequently into a larger outdoor composter or compost pile.
3. Mix brown and green materials in your outdoor compost bin. Brown materials include dead leaves, wood chips, and newspaper, while green materials are food scraps and grass clippings.
4. Endeavour to keep the drop off site or compost in the community garden moist and aerated by adding water and turning it regularly.
5. Monitor the temperature of your compost and ensure it stays between 135-160 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal decomposition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. To minimize fruit flies and pests that your countertop bin may attract, there are some materials that you should reduce disposing in the bin. They include Meat, dairy, or oily foods. Not only do they attract pests, but they also slow down decomposition.
2. Adding too much of one type of material (e.g., too many greens or too many browns) can cause the compost to become too wet or dry.
3. Using materials that have been treated with pesticides or chemicals, can harm beneficial microbes in the compost.
4. Neglecting to turn the compost regularly, can cause it to become compacted and slow down decomposition.
5. Allowing the compost to become too dry, also slows down decomposition.

Final Notes

Summarily, choosing the right countertop compost bin is essential for effective composting and sustainable living. By considering factors such as size and capacity, durability and material, odor control, ease of use and cleaning, and price, you can select the best countertop compost bin that meets your needs and budget.

In this article, we have highlighted the top 5 best countertop compost bins available in the market, including their features, pros, and cons. These products are the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin, Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin, Full Circle Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Bin, and Chef’n EcoCrock Compost Bin.

Using a countertop compost bin is a great way to reduce kitchen waste, save money on fertilizer, and contribute to a healthier environment. By following the tips for composting with a countertop compost bin, such as knowing what to compost, how to compost, and common mistakes to avoid, you can ensure that your compost is healthy and productive. We hope that this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.