The 10 Best Kitchen Compost Bins for Any Space and Budget

The best kitchen compost bins help us protect our environment. Throwing your food scraps in the trash may not be enough: Over 70 billion pounds of food waste enters landfills every year, per a November 2020 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) news release.

"The lack of oxygen in landfills prevents organic materials from biodegrading. Instead, (they) sit there releasing methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change," says Laura Wittig, a sustainability expert and the founder and CEO of the sustainability platform Brightly.

But, composting can help you get rid of waste responsibly. "Compost is like a multivitamin for your soil: It encourages healthy plants, new growth, strong roots and bountiful blooms and fruit. Creating compost is not just good for your garden, it's also great for the planet," says microbiologist Aditi Biswas, PhD, ScM.

A compost bin is designed to speed the process of organic matter decomposition (breakdown) through proper aeration and moisture. So food scraps in the container will turn into compost over time. Adding a set mixture may be required for certain compost bins, while others thrive by simply continuing to pack in those food scraps such as skins and stems from produce, egg shells and coffee grounds (organic waste).

To get you started, here's a list of the best kitchen compost bins on the market.

We chatted with sustainability experts to understand what's most important in a quality indoor compost bin and how to find the bin that is ideal for you. Our top picks are based on the following criteria:

• Odor control
  
• Capacity
  
• Material
  
• Easy to clean
  
• Portability
• Design
  

If you're looking for a solidly built, ideal size and odor-free solution, try the EPICA stainless steel compost bin. This 1.3-gallon compost bin is small enough to fit on your counter but has the capacity to hold several days' worth of kitchen scraps.

This bin has an activated charcoal filter to prevent odors from escaping. "Other bins don't eliminate odor nearly as well," says Jeremy Yamaguchi, Founder and CEO of Lawn Love. "And because your kitchen bin is indoors and in a heavily trafficked spot, you really don't want to deal with any bad smells."

Stephanie Cole, a renewable energy expert and eco blogger for TheRoundup.org, agrees. "(It) has a charcoal filter which is brilliant at trapping and controlling odors." But, the low cost of this bin doesn't end with a single purchase. "The charcoal filters can't be rinsed and need to be replaced regularly, so that can be costly. The good news is that the charcoal is compostable," Cole says.

It's also easy to clean, resists rust and has a well-fitting lid to prevent leakage.

This 1.75-gallon compost bin is designed to keep bags tugged well inside its smooth, easy-to-clean interior. It has a versatile lid for immediate usage and proper sealing for odor control.

"OXO compost bin is a brilliant design with a locking mechanism," says Alan Duncan, green energy and renewable energies expert and founder of Solar Panels Network. The lid not only seals well to trap odors, but also has a stay-open mechanism for tossing in scraps as you work.

If both looks and practicality are a must, OXO is a great choice. "It is aesthetically pleasing with a simple design and rounded edges for easy cleanup and storage," Duncan says.

"The Chef'n EcocCrock Compost Bin is a countertop bin that has a removable inner bucket and utilizes carbon filters to help reduce odor. I like that the bucket is removable and easy to clean," says dietitian Ashley Petrie, RDN. "I also love the look of this compost bin. It's small and fits nicely on the counter without seeming intrusive."

Petrie mentions, though, that mold can be an issue with this product because the holes on top are too small to allow enough moisture to escape. "To resolve this, I recommend storing (the compost) in the freezer or taking daily trips to your compost pile and keeping the inner bucket clean," she says.

Bamboozle makes a small compost bin that will fit nicely on your countertop, and if you are looking for a bin that's both eco-friendly in purpose and design, this may be the pick for you.

"Of course, you want a compost bin that does its prime job: helps you turn food scraps into nutrient-rich organic material that can be used in your garden," Wittig says.

"Another important factor to keep in mind is what that compost bin is made of. That's why I love Bamboozle: All pieces are made from biodegradable bamboo fiber. Not only will it last for years, but its end-of-life impact is much lower than options made from materials that aren't as eco-friendly."

What makes this compost bin ideal is its highly durable structure — it's made with titanium stainless steel — and its ability to resist fingerprints and smudges. It has an elegantly polished surface, plus it's easy to clean and is rust-resistant.

Its AbsorbX Odor Filter System keeps odors at bay (and it comes with a filter with purchase). It's sleek, affordable and "perfect for a small indoor living space," says Melissa Collins, a chef and household expert.

This compost kit includes a 5-gallon tan compost bin and a 2-pound bag of Bokashi Bran by SCD Probiotics.

"Bokashi composting allows you to compost indoors with the flexibility of being able to add (almost) whatever you want," sustainability expert Eva Petruzziello says.

"Most Bokashi bins will fit neatly under your kitchen sink. You can add meat, cooked food, dairy products and your fruit and vegetable waste to the bin. The only thing you shouldn't add to your bokashi bin is very oily food and liquids," she says.

"Plus, Bokashi composting utilizes a special group of anaerobic microbes to ferment organic waste. When that fermented waste is eventually buried, it disappears in about 10 to 14 days."

This 1.3-gallon compost bin is made from durable stainless steel and comes in silver, black and white, so you can find the one that best suits your kitchen decor.

Like many countertop compost bins, it uses a charcoal filter to reduce odor. It washes easily with soap and water, and its charcoal filter can be soaked in soapy water and then rinsed thoroughly to remove residue.

This sleek, compact compost bin is also our most affordable choice at under $25.

This compost bin has a magnetic dock to hang neatly on the side of your trash can or detach easily for use on your countertop making it a versatile choice for your kitchen space needs.

The soft-seal lid is breathable while keeping bugs out. Magnets allow the lid to easily stay open while in use. The removable inner bucket has a handle for easy cleaning and transfer of contents.

"It's made from stainless steel which is an inherently sustainable material. Stainless steel can be recycled an infinite number of times without any reduction in quality. So at the end of its life, it can be recycled and not just disposed of in a landfill," Cole says.

The manufacturer states this device is easy to clean and that its invisible silver-ion coating resists fingerprints and the spread of germs.

Following natural parameters and ergonomic principles, this compost bin was scientifically designed for kitchen use to suit its "inhabitants" (yes, worms) and you. But not to worry, it's designed specifically to contain those creatures.

Petruzziello says that worm composting can be quite suitable for indoor spaces. "Once you are managing your bin correctly, your indoor farm should never smell. If your worms are trying to escape, it means something went wrong."

The Biovessel starter kit includes the vessel, inner structure, a cork lid, top caps and a bottom cap, a moisture/light/ph probe, a fertilizer scoop and a sprayer. You will need 7 liters of bedding soil with 500 to 600 grams of composting worms to activate the vessel.

It's a lovely, nature-inspired, eco-friendly design, but unless you're an avid gardener or have an interest in worm composting, this bin may not be for you.

The elegantly-designed Pela Lomi bin will create your compost at the touch of a button in just 24 hours.

Daniel P. Craig, chef and founder of KitchenDeets, says purchasing his Pela Lomi is one of the best choices he's ever made. "Not only have I greatly reduced my carbon footprint but it's really helped improve the enjoyment of my life," Craig says.

"The composter fills up in 3 to 6 days thanks in part to its bucket's ability to soak up odors," Craig says. He also adds that he's never had any leaks using this product.

When you're ready to buy a composting bin for your kitchen, there are a few things you should consider first:

You'll need to determine the amount of space you have in your kitchen for a compost bin and consider how much food scraps your household produces. This will help you figure out what size bin you need to buy.

Most indoor bins have a means for odor control. You'll need to determine which one you prefer (such as activated charcoal filters).

Finding a model that will have lasting value includes how it stands up over time. Stainless steel and titanium are durable options.

How much can you afford to spend on a compost bin and what extra costs may arise, such as filter replacements or composting mixes, are important factors to think about. If there's a model you feel is fitting, but costly, you may consider it as an investment.

Because the indoor compost bin may be living on your kitchen countertop, you'll want to find the model and design that suits your style and the aesthetics of your kitchen space.

If you aren't invested in careful, regular upkeep or special mixes to add, you may want to consider a compost pin that's as simple as filling and dumping.