The Best Compost Bins

Buying Guide for Compost Bins

Why buy a compost bin?

Instead of throwing out food waste, put it in a compost bin and make your own fertilizer. With the right compost bins, it’s easy, convenient, and clean to turn trash into food for your plants and flowers. You can still keep your home smelling fresh while composting, though. There are many odor-fighting, stylish compost bins made for your kitchen. Or, if you need a heavy-duty option, go with a larger-capacity compost bin that works great outside in your yard.

What should you consider in a compost bin?

• Size: The amount of gardening you do should determine the size of the bin you get. If you need fertilizer for all sorts of plants and flowers, go with a large option that’s meant to be kept outside. If you want an accessible option to use right in your kitchen, go with something on the smaller side.
• Odor-Fighting Ability: Plenty of people like to have a compost bin right in the kitchen. If that’s your plan, you’ll want a bin that won’t stink up your home. Pick out a compost bin that comes with an odor-fighting filter that lets you have easy access without causing bad smells to spread throughout your home.
• Durability: Go with an option that won’t break or fall apart when you need it to hold up to food waste. There are modern stainless steel options as well as plastic models, and both should last for years to come.

What can you put in a compost bin?

You can put most items made from organic materials in a compost bin, including the following common items:

• Vegetable and fruit scraps and peels
• Eggshells
• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Coffee grounds
• Sawdust
• Paper
• Teabags

Our Picks for the Best Compost Bins

Pros: The iTouchless Stainless Steel Compost Bin is an attractive option that makes it easy to compost at home. Help out your garden and the environment by turning your biodegradable waste into fertilizer. It even comes with an odor filter to stop smells from escaping. Plus, it’s made from titanium stainless steel to prevent rust and make it easy to clean.

Cons: This compost bin might need to be emptied every couple of days depending on how much food waste you accumulate.

Bottom Line: This is a solid option in terms of size, smell-blocking capability, and material. It’s built to last and to keep your home smelling clean.

 

Pros: The RED FACTOR Premium Compost Bin for Kitchen Countertop is a stylish option that includes a dome-shaped lid for extra storage space. Stick this compost bin right on your countertop for convenient access. As an added perk, this compost bin features a filter with carbon that works to block out smells that might escape. It’s made from stainless steel to prevent rust or cracks. It’s also the perfect size for carrying out back whenever it fills up.

Cons: The copper paint chips off over time.

Bottom Line: This is a very popular compost bin. It’s a good size, it won’t rust, and it looks and smells good. Keep your biodegradable waste inside to make composting a hassle-free chore.

 

Pros: The Tiyafuro 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin is an option that you can hang from a shelf or countertop for extra-easy access. The lid is made for keeping away fruit flies and locking odor in, so your kitchen stays nice and clean. It’s also very easy to install this compost bin in your kitchen. It will fit on cabinet doors, in your pantry, or in your cupboard, so you don’t have to take up counter space. As for quality, it’s constructed from a nontoxic material that should last for years. Plus, it’s easy to clean this compost bin: just use some soap and water.

Cons: The top doesn’t open all the way. You may need to push it back a bit to fit your waste inside, which is a little inconvenient.

Bottom Line: This is a great option for a compost bin that stays out of your way since all you have to do is hang it on a door or cupboard. Plus, it’s made to block out smells and last for a long time.

 

Pros: The Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is a heavy-duty option that lets you turn waste into quality compost. It features two sections, so you can fill up one section while the other section lets your compost cure. Once the curing section is ready, you can take out the ready-to-use compost and let the other section begin curing. If you’re looking for a steady supply of compost, this bin has you covered. Plus, it’s easy to use, built to last, and backed by a quality brand name.

Cons: Just know that this is a larger option that you’ll want to keep outdoors. If you’re looking for an indoor option to keep in your kitchen, this isn’t the compost bin for your needs.

Bottom Line: The dual sections of this compost bin make it a unique option. It’s ideal for avid composters.

 

Pros: The Redmon Since 1883 8000 Compost 65 Gallon Bin is made for serious gardeners who consistently need compost. It has an extra-large storage space that lets you keep your waste curing until you’re ready to fertilize your garden. There is a convenient snap-on lid and four access doors, so you can quickly and easily get to your compost. And since you’ll be keeping this compost bin outdoors, it’s made from material built to stand up to harsh weather conditions.

Cons: You may need to create your own way to keep it anchored. It doesn’t come with the best materials for locking it down to the ground, especially if you don’t plan on keeping it full most of the time.

Bottom Line: Pile your compost up while keeping it nice and neat. This is a quality option for composting enthusiasts. While it’s not the most stylish option, it’s made for fertilizing whole gardens with ease.

Final Thoughts

Get composting with a bin that lets you turn trash into fertilizer. Find the right size for your garden and your space while getting the features you need to stay clean and keep smells away. A bin makes it extra easy to compost at home.