Composting is an excellent way to reduce food waste while creating nutritious soil amendments for your garden. Countertop compost bins provide a convenient and aesthetic way to compost right in your kitchen. With a variety of styles and features available, it can be tricky to determine which model is right for your needs. This detailed guide covers the 13 best countertop compost bins to help you make an informed decision for your home.
What is a Countertop Compost Bin?
A countertop compost bin is a small, indoor system for collecting food scraps to be composted. It typically consists of a bin that sits on your kitchen counter or inside a cabinet. You simply add food waste as you cook and clean up. The bin stores the scraps until you transfer them to an outdoor compost pile or collection bin.
Countertop compost bins are sealed to contain odors. They often have carbon filters or other methods to actively control smell. Many models have a modern, sleek look to seamlessly blend in with your kitchen décor.
Benefits of Using a Countertop Compost Bin
Composting food scraps provides many benefits:
- Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills
- Helps the environment by recycling nutrients and reducing methane emissions from rotting food
- Produces nutritious compost to enrich your garden soil
- Saves money on bags for landfill-bound waste
- Encourages mindful consumption and sustainability
A countertop compost bin makes the process convenient by collecting scraps right where food prep happens. The bins keep odors contained and insects out until you’re ready to empty them. Countertop bins are useful in urban settings or any home without access to outdoor composting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Compost Bin
With different sizes, styles and features available, keep the following factors in mind when selecting a countertop compost bin:
Size
Consider how much food waste you generate to choose an appropriately sized bin. Generally, 1-2 gallons accommodates most standard kitchens. Large families or avid cooks may prefer 3-4 gallon bins.
Aesthetic
Many bins come in stylish stainless steel, bamboo or plastic designs to look nice on your counter. Be sure to choose an appearance that fits your kitchen décor.
Ease of Use
Look for bins that are simple to open, empty and clean. Some have removable buckets or bins that lift out. Others have hinged lids or snap-lock closures.
Odor Control
An air-tight seal and carbon filter are key features that help contain smells. Some bins have active ventilation systems or compostable bio-bags.
Durability
Opt for sturdy bins made of long-lasting materials like stainless steel or durable plastics. Check for quality construction.
Price
Countertop compost bins range widely in price from $20 to $200+. Determine how much you’re willing to spend, while keeping ease of use and durability in mind.
With these factors in mind, let’s look at 13 of the top-rated countertop compost bins to fit different needs and budgets.
13 Best Countertop Compost Bins
1. Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin
The Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin is a sleek and modern option made from heavy-duty stainless steel. It has a clean, fingerprint-resistant finish that matches any kitchen decor.
The 1.3 gallon capacity accommodates average household food waste. It features a flip-up lid with a charcoal filter to optimize odor control. The removable bucket lifts out for easy transferring of compost. Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, this bin will provide lasting performance.
Key Features:
- 1.3 gallon capacity
- Flip-up lid with charcoal filter
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Removable bucket
- 10-year warranty
This durable and versatile compost bin is perfect for contemporary kitchens. The Epica bin strikes an ideal balance of quality construction, odor control and attractive aesthetics.
2. Formline Countertop Compost Bin
Made from plant-based bamboo, the Formline Countertop Compost Bin adds an eco-friendly element to your kitchen. Despite its natural look, this bin offers robust odor control through an internal carbon filter and air vents.
With a 1.5 gallon capacity, the rectangular design saves precious counter space. It features a lift-off lid and removable bucket for easy emptying. The bamboo construction is naturally antimicrobial and stain-resistant.
Key Features:
- 1.5 gallon capacity
- Bamboo construction
- Lift-off lid
- Removable bucket
- Carbon odor filter
This bin comes recommended from Interior Design and HGTV due to its sustainability and functionality. The combination of odor control, minimalist footprint and eco-friendly bamboo make this an excellent choice.
3. OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin
The OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin sports an innovative design that lives up to its name. The unique shape tapers towards the bottom, improving ergonomics for easier lifting and emptying.
This bin boasts a generous 2 gallon capacity in a petite footprint. The lid flips open and locks in place for no-touch emptying. The smooth plastic walls resist sticky messes and wipes clean effortlessly. Dual bucket filters keep odors contained.
Key Features:
- 2 gallon capacity
- Tapered design for easy emptying
- Flip-open lid locks upright
- Smooth walls for easy cleaning
- Dual odor-control bucket filters
With its user-friendly shape and mess-free cleaning, the OXO Good Grips bin is perfect for busy kitchens. It offers ample capacity in a thoughtfully designed package.
4. Simplehuman Mini Round Step Can
The Simplehuman Mini Round Step Can brings high-end elegance to kitchen composting. This pedal-operated bin opens hands-free via a motion sensor or foot pedal.
Built from fingerprint-proof stainless steel, it has a modern round silhouette. The 1.1 gallon capacity handles average food waste needs. It contains odors with a polypropylene bucket and carbon filter. The inner bucket is removable for easy transferring of compost.
Key Features:
- Hands-free motion sensor or pedal opening
- Fingerprint-proof stainless steel
- 1.1 gallon capacity
- Removable inner bucket
- 10-year warranty
With its sleek and convenient touch-free access, this bin makes composting seamless. It’s an excellent choice for upscale contemporary kitchens.
5. Busch Systems Waste Watcher Mini
This bin from Busch Systems is built tough for heavy daily use. Made from robust polymer resin, it won’t crack, dent or rust.
The 1.3 gallon capacity suits standard food waste volumes. Odors stay contained thanks to the lid’s tight seal and two carbon filters. The lid lifts off completely for quick emptying. An access door provides easy wiping and cleaning.
Key Features:
- Durable polymer resin construction
- 1.3 gallon capacity
- Tight sealing lid with carbon filters
- Access door for easy cleaning
- Removable lid lifts off entirely
This bin offers long-lasting performance perfect for busy kitchens. The durable material and large access opening make it ideal for households with high food waste volume.
6. Norpro Ceramic Floral Compost Keeper
Offering a more decorative take on compost collection, this ceramic bin from Norpro has a charming floral motif. The ceramic construction gives it a retro charm while also being non-porous and odor-resistant.
It can hold 1.5 gallons, providing ample capacity for most homes. The lid creates a tight seal to contain smells. The inner plastic bucket lifts out for easy transfer of compost contents. This ceramic bin adds a touch of vintage farmhouse style to any kitchen.
Key Features:
- Ceramic construction with floral design
- 1.5 gallon capacity
- Inner plastic bucket lifts out
- Tight sealing lid
- Odor-resistant ceramic
For those seeking a compost bin with personality, this ceramic floral motif bin brings charming retro flair. The ceramic effectively masks odors while looking much nicer than plastic.
7. Exaco Eco-Nest Compost Bin
The Exaco Eco-Nest brings innovation to counter composting with its tiered two-bucket design. The inner bucket collects scraps while the outer bucket catches any liquids that seep out. This prevents leaks and messy cleanups.
The 1.4 gallon capacity outer bucket has a screw-off lid for easy emptying. Made from robust BPA-free plastic, the modular two-part bucket system is user-friendly and effective.
Key Features:
- Two-bucket system separates scraps and liquids
- 1.4 gallon total capacity
- Inner and outer buckets lift out
- BPA-free plastic construction
- Screw-off outer bucket lid
The Exaco Eco-Nest takes the mess factor out of food scrap collection. The nested bucket design neatly separates compost from drainage for an odor-free experience.
8. Compostology ST230 Kitchen Compost Bin
Compostology’s entry has a tapered square silhouette made from solid stainless steel. The fingerprint-proof brushed finish blends into any modern kitchen.
The lid opens easily by pressing the handle to release the suction-seal. A 1.3 gallon inner plastic bucket lifts out to transfer contents. An activated carbon filter absorbs odors to keep the bin smelling clean.
Key Features:
- Brushed stainless steel exterior
- 1.3 gallon plastic inner bucket
- Easy open suction-seal lid
- Odor absorbing carbon filter
- Fingerprint-resistant steel
With its contemporary steel design, simple lid opening and generous capacity, this bin is ideal for design-focused kitchens. The suction-seal and carbon filter offer excellent odor control.
9. KitchenArt Countertop Compost Bin
KitchenArt’s compost bin has a flip-top lid design crafted from elegant bamboo. The lightweight woven bamboo has natural variation in tone for visual interest.
Inside, a 1.5 gallon plastic bucket collects food waste and lifts out for emptying. Ventilation slots in the bamboo help circulate air while a charcoal filter reduces odors. The lid flips open and can be removed completely for cleaning.
Key Features:
- Bamboo exterior with flip-top lid
- 1.5 gallon inner plastic bucket
- Ventilation slots for air flow
- Charcoal filter to reduce odors
- Premium woven bamboo construction
This bin adds warmth and texture to your countertop with natural woven bamboo. The inner bucket is generously sized while charcoal filtration and ventilation suppress smells.
10. Utopia Home Countertop Compost Bin
Utopia Home’s countertop compost bin has an elegant yet minimalist design. The exterior is made from brushed stainless steel with copper accents on the lid handle and base.
The flip-top lid opens easily to reveal a 1.3 gallon inner plastic bucket. An activated charcoal filter built into the lid absorbs odors for a pleasant experience. Durable plastic walls resist stains, scratches and dents.
Key Features:
- Brushed stainless steel with copper accents
- Flip-top lid with charcoal filter
- 1.3 gallon plastic inner bucket
- Durable scratch resistant plastic
- Easy open handle
With its upscale two-tone look and generous capacity, this bin adds sophistication to kitchen composting. The inner bucket lifts out neatly for a mess-free experience.
11. Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Counter Top Bin
This innovative bin from Joseph Joseph features two compartments to separate trash from recyclables and food waste. The 1.7 gallon capacity is divided between a 0.8 gallon front section and 0.9 rear gallon section.
Unique wave-shaped dividing walls block odors and avoid cross-contamination between the two sides. Each section has a flip-top lid and lift-out bucket for easy emptying. The sleek fingerprint-proof steel matches any decor.
Key Features:
- Two 0.8 and 0.9 gallon compartments
- Wave divider walls to block odors
- Fingerprint-proof stainless steel
- Flip-top lids and removable buckets
- 1.7 gallon total capacity
This is an ideal bin for a dual recycling and composting system. The compartments keep contents separate and odors contained.
12. Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Bin
This bin from Full Circle uses an innovative air filtration system to actively neutralize odors. The fan and nano-filter work together to purify the air, keeping smells contained.
The rectangular shape saves counter space. Made from plant-based renewable plastic, the bin has a frosted translucent appearance. The bin safely biodegrades at end of life.
Key Features:
- Active air filtration eliminates odors
- 1.5 gallon nano filter removes bacteria
- Renewable plant-based plastic
- Rectangular space-saving shape
- Safely biodegrades at end of life
With its odor-purifying filtration and eco-friendly construction, this bin keeps your kitchen refreshed and sustainable.
13. Witt Industries Versailles Countertop Bin
Bringing elegant sophistication to kitchen composting, this bin from Witt Industries has a decorative Versailles pattern. The powder-coated steel construction is durable and fingerprint resistant.
The lid flips open smoothly via dual steel hinges. A 1.5 gallon removable plastic bucket lines the interior to collect scraps. With its decorative sophistication, this bin enhances kitchens inspired by vintage French designs.
Key Features:
- Versailles patterned powder-coated steel
- Flip-open lid with steel hinges
- 1.5 gallon plastic inner bucket
- Fingerprint resistant surface
- Vintage French inspired style
This bin adds a touch of neoclassical elegance perfect for upscale traditional kitchens. The inner bucket tucks discreetly inside the decorative exterior.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Countertop Compost Bin
When selecting your ideal countertop compost bin, keep the following aspects in mind:
- Size – Choose a bin with sufficient volume for your household waste. 1-2 gallons suits most needs.
- Access – Seek bins with removable buckets or complete lid removal for easy transferring of compost.
- Odor Control – An air-tight lid seal plus carbon filters or odor absorbers help contain smells.
- Appearance – Select a finish and style that matches your kitchen’s aesthetics.
- Durability – Opt for sturdy construction that will withstand daily use and last for years.
- Price – With options ranging from $20 to $200+, set a budget but don’t sacrifice quality.
Conclusion
Adding a countertop compost bin makes it easy and convenient to reduce food waste through composting right in your kitchen. With options across style, price point and functionality, you can find the perfect match for your household needs. Seek an ample capacity, secure seal, odor control and durable yet attractive construction. Position your new compost bin in an accessible spot to make daily use a seamless habit.
