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If you want to reduce waste and improve the way you manage your kitchen scraps, a countertop compost bin is a great place to start. These self-contained systems allow you to collect coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, etc., and compost them yourself or deliver them to the nearest local collection center.
Technically, you can collect these items from any old bowl or bin, but without the proper setup, kitchen compost will start to smell and attract flies or other critters. Countertop compost bins give both new and experienced composters the tools they need to keep kitchen scraps clean and odor free.
We scoured the market to find the most attractive and efficient countertop compost bins on the market and found 10 winners in a range of sizes, materials and styles, and at different price points.
Best Countertop Compost Bins
What to consider
The perfect compost bin for you will depend on a number of factors. Keep the following in mind and we believe you will end up being happy.
Cut
Consider where you want to put your countertop compost and how much space you’re willing to dedicate to it. We have bins in a range of sizes below, perfect for kitchens with very tight spaces or acres of counter space. If you have almost no counter space, consider the trash can that can be mounted on a wall or door.
Material
Countertop compost bins are usually made of stainless steel, plastic, or bamboo. Stainless steel is the most durable, plastic is the easiest to clean, and bamboo is the most environmentally friendly.
Design
You will want to choose a compost bin that will fit in with the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. The bins below are available in a range of colors, shapes and styles.
How we selected
We’ve reviewed hundreds of compost bins, considering their durability, ease of cleaning, and user friendliness. We also consulted expert reviews and read thousands of user comments. Below, you’ll find the best of the best, all designed to lock in odors and help you compost kitchen scraps easily and efficiently.
For more ways to start your composting journey, check out our coverage of the best compost tumblers, indoor and outdoor compost bins, and vermicomposters!
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1
Best overall
Stainless Steel Indoor Compost Bucket
Sustainable
Attractive
Good price
Cannot go in the dishwasher
Key specs
Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 7.9 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher: Nope
This cylindrical countertop compost bin is ideal for both experienced and novice composters. It is designed to fight odors by trapping them with its airtight lid. The trash can is made of high quality 430 stainless steel, which is durable and rust resistant. Stainless steel is non-toxic and will not release chemicals into the compost if you plan to reuse it in your garden. This trash can is relatively easy to wash by hand, but cleaning the lid requires extra work because its two carbon filters must be removed first.
2
Best Plastic Bin
Easy to clean compost bin
Available in several colors
Easy to clean
User-friendly
Key specs
Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.4 x 7.5 inches
Material: Plastic
Dishwasher: Yes
This cylindrical plastic compost bin is ideal for beginners who don’t have a lot of counter space. Lid flips open for easy filling, then locks into an airtight seal for odor-free storage. Smooth interior walls prevent food from getting stuck and clumping together, and when it’s time to clean up this OXO trash can, you can throw it in the dishwasher. The sturdy rotating handle makes this trash can easy to carry. Reviewers say this trash can, unlike many others on the market, does not attract fruit flies. Still, not everyone likes the trash can to be plastic.
3
Better odor filtration
Dustin Kitchen Composter
great design
Scentless
Holds a week’s worth of waste
Key specs
Dimensions: 11.26 x 8.66 x 8.66 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher: Yes
While all of the bins we’ve included are designed to trap odors, those with the most sensitive noses say this one outshines the rest of the pack. This stainless steel compost bin is beautifully designed, with smooth, clean lines, and is made from recycled materials. Its large size means you can stack trash all week, and the powerful carbon filters absorb odors for up to six months before they need to be replaced. Although you may have trouble fitting this trash can in the dishwasher, it can be cleaned by hand if you take out the removable charcoal filters.
4
Best Big Bin
Odorless kitchen compost bin
Stays cleaner than other models
Made of recycled materials
Bigger size is good for families
Compostable bags are extra
Key specs
Dimensions: 11.38 x 8.5 x 9 inches
Material: Plastic
Dishwasher: Nope
This is not your typical plastic compost bin. Not only does the larger capacity allow you to store your trash for days, it’s made from recycled materials, BPA-free, and free of harmful coatings, dyes, or chemicals. The green bin opens easily with the press of a button. Reviewers who previously used stainless steel bins love this one, noting that it comes with compostable bags that eliminate the hassle of cleaning up every few weeks.
5
Best Mountable Bin
Small hanging compost bin
Key specs
Dimensions: 6.9 x 8.3 x 9.6 inches
Material: Plastic
Dishwasher: Nope
This sturdy compost bin can be wall mounted, stored on the counter or placed under your cabinet. Everything you need to hang the bin is included, with simple instructions on how to install it on a door or hang it on a wall. This small size makes it ideal for apartments, RVs or other small spaces. This plastic trash can is made from non-toxic materials and comes in multiple colors, but should be hand washed to ensure long-lasting durability. Reviewers love the simplicity and functionality of this trash can, adding that its removable lid makes it easy to clean and traps odors well.
6
Best Eco Bin
indoor food composter
Fully biodegradable
Sustainably made
Sustainable
Filters should be replaced every two months
Key specs
Dimensions: 7 x 6.25 x 9 inches
Material: Bamboo
Dishwasher: Yes
If you want a container that’s as eco-friendly as your composting habit, look no further. This Bamboozle bin is made of biodegradable, dishwasher safe and sustainably harvested bamboo. This compost bin requires a carbon filter to absorb odors, which should be replaced every two months. This square trash can looks modern and comes in multiple colors; when you’re ready to move on, you can throw it away without a second thought because the material will degrade. The small to medium size also makes it a great option for people with small kitchens.
seven
Coolest design
Rustproof Kitchen Compost Bin
great design
Sustainable
Efficient
Key specs
Dimensions: 13.46 x 7.68 x 5.91 inches
Material: Stainless steel, acacia wood
Dishwasher: Insert is, shell is not
If you want to compost, but don’t feel like cluttering your countertop with a clunky trash can, this rectangular trash can might be a good choice. The food-grade stainless steel trash can features a secure lid that traps odors and blocks out flies and other pests, while still looking stylish, thanks to the sustainably crafted acacia wood lid. To clean, slide the bucket out of the wooden box and place it in the dishwasher. The wooden housing unit, however, should be hand washed. Reviewers love that form and function come together in such a beautiful and efficient package, calling it “by far” the most attractive trash can on the market.
8
Ideal for small spaces
kitchen composter
Attractive
Good size for small spaces
Easy to use
Replacement filters cost more
Key specs
Dimensions: 14.25 x 12.87 x 9.61 inches
Material: Stainless steel and plastic
Dishwasher: Yes
This stylish trash can is cute enough to sit on your counter and is the right size to hold a few days worth of trash. This compost bin includes two buckets; the inner bin can be removed to dispose of the compost and wash it. The bucket caddy is made of rustproof stainless steel. The vent cover and plastic body are designed to create the optimum temperature and humidity for good composting. The unique carbon filters trapping fruit flies absorb odors and repel insects, but should be changed every six months to ensure they are effective.
9
farm style
farmhouse kitchen compost bin
Comes with two spare filters
Efficient
great design
Key specs
Dimensions: 11.26 x 7.91 x 7.91 inches
Material: Metal
Dishwasher: Nope
If you have a farmhouse-style kitchen, this countertop compost bin will fit right in. The bin comes with a built-in charcoal filter and two extras. Each filter effectively absorbs odors for three to four months and then needs to be replaced. This premium black metal trash can is rust-proof and has a sturdier handle than most, making it easier to carry the trash can outdoors. This compost bin should be hand washed. Reviewers love the size of this countertop compost bin, saying it holds days of waste, locks in odors, and looks great in the process.
ten
One-handed lid open
Compost bin with filters
great design
User-friendly
Nontoxic
Key specs
Dimensions: 10.79 x 7.99 x 7.76 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher: Nope
This bin was designed by product engineers who wanted to create a compost bin that was elegant, easy to use and practical. They pulled it off, and the design will appeal to novices and more experienced composters alike. This trash can features a vented filtration system to control odors and an easy-access charcoal filter that can be removed without hassle, a convenient carry handle, stainless steel construction and a one-handed open lid that won’t slow you down. when you’re on a roll in the kitchen. The filter lasts about six months before needing a change and the bin’s non-toxic design ensures no harmful chemicals end up in your compost.
Kathleen Willcox Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine.
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