Are you looking for an easy way to reduce your household’s food waste while making your kitchen more eco-friendly? Adding a countertop compost bin can make saving food scraps for composting much more convenient.
A countertop compost bin sits right on your kitchen counter or in a cabinet near the prep area so you can quickly toss food waste as you cook and prep meals. No more letting vegetable peels, eggshells and coffee grounds pile up in the trash!
Having a dedicated compost bin helps remind you to separate out compostables instead of mixing them in with trash that will end up in a landfill. Plus, the bins keep odors contained thanks to carbon filters and airtight lids.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the top 5 recommended countertop compost bins to suit different needs and budgets. We’ll also share key factors to consider when choosing the best compost bin for your kitchen, and frequently asked questions about using countertop bins.
Ready to get started with scrap saving for a greener kitchen? Let’s dive in!
The 5 Best Countertop Compost Bins
1. Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Compost Bin
If you’re looking for a sturdy and effective countertop compost bin that’s built to last, the OXO Good Grips bin is a top choice.
The simple yet stylish design features a flip-top lid that opens easily with one hand so you can quickly toss scraps without any hassle. The fliptop also seals tightly to contain odors.
Inside, the 1.5 gallon capacity steel body provides ample room for food waste from a busy kitchen. The non-porous stainless steel construction also makes this bin super easy to clean — just wipe out with a cloth.
One of the handiest features is the built-in carbon filter in the lid. This actively controls odors and absorbs any smells from the compost bin so your kitchen stays fresh.
OXO is known for making kitchen tools with smart designs and comfortable grips, and this compost bin lives up to the reputation. The lid handle is soft and non-slip for easy opening and closing.
With its convenient size, odor control, durable build and stylish look, the OXO Good Grips bin makes composting food waste easy and eco-chic.
2. Most Affordable: Epica Compost Bin
If you’re seeking an inexpensive and pared-down countertop compost bin, the Epica Compost Bin is a great budget-friendly choice.
This bin provides solid performance without all the bells and whistles, making it ideal for cost-conscious consumers. The simple design features a plastic body available in your choice of white, black or gray.
With a 1.3 gallon capacity, it can hold a decent amount of food scraps from the average kitchen. The flip-top lid makes adding compost easy while containing odors.
Inside the lid, a charcoal filter works to absorb smells so they don’t escape when the bin is open. Reviewers praise this bins odor-controlling capabilities despite its low price point.
Perhaps best of all, the Epica bin rings up at under $20 depending on color choice. So you can start composting without a big investment. A 1-year warranty provides added peace of mind.
For a basic but reliable countertop compost bin on a budget, the Epica bin gets the job done. The compact size also works well for small kitchens.
3. Most Stylish: Simplehuman Compost Caddy
If your kitchen style runs more chic modern or rustic-luxe, the Simplehuman Compost Caddy offers an elegant accent piece for your countertop.
This sleek compost bin features a fingerprint-proof stainless steel body with a copper lid that creates a handsome two-tone effect. The copper lid also naturally resists bacteria.
Despite its metallic good looks, the inner plastic bucket lifts out for easy emptying into your outdoor compost pile or bin. The 1.3 gallon bucket is also dishwasher safe.
Like all Simplehuman products, this compost caddy is built to last thanks to premium materials and smart engineering. For example, the copper lid is engineered to stay open for easy scraping of scraps.
The caddy includes compostable bags made from plant starch to line the inner bucket. And an integrated handle on the bucket allows neat, mess-free transport to your outdoor composting spot.
With its upscale look and performance, the Simplehuman caddy is ideal for design-lovers who want both style and function from their countertop composting.
4. Easiest Access: Chef’n Kompost Kerr
For hands-free, fuss-free composting, the unique Chef’n Kompost Kerr bin makes adding scraps incredibly easy. No need to open any lids or use your hands!
This innovative bin features a foot pedal that flips the lid open when pressed, so you can sweep food waste into the bin without touching anything. Such a handy feature for busy cooks with messy hands.
The 1.4 gallon capacity plastic bin is lined with 100% compostable bags made from bamboo fibers, a renewable and sustainable resource.
Chef’n also makes certified BPI-compostable bags that perfectly fit the Kompost Kerr. These plant-based bags provide eco-friendly waste containment that breaks down quickly during composting.
Thanks to the flip-open foot pedal, the bin provides easy no-touch access. And the sleek design looks great on countertops with neutral colors that blend into any kitchen’s style.
For cooks seeking a hands-free composting experience, the Chef’n Kompost Kerr is a smart innovation that takes convenience and accessibility to the next level.
5. Largest Capacity: Utopia Home Countertop Compost Bin
When you need extra room for all the organic waste generated in a busy kitchen, turn to the Utopia Home Countertop Compost Bin.
This bin provides an expansive 3 gallon capacity — twice that of many other options. So you can go longer between emptying it out.
The bin features a rust-resistant aluminum body that will stand up to heavy daily use. And the flip-top lid seals tightly to contain odors and prevent fruit flies.
Inside the lid, an activated charcoal filter helps control smells and absorb ethylene gas emitted by some produce to slow ripening.
With its sizable capacity, durable build and filter to quell odors, the Utopia Home bin can handle high volumes of kitchen scraps. No more taking trips out to the compost pile multiple times per week!
The rectangular shape and neutral colors also allow the bin to fit discreetly on most countertops. And the lid handle makes opening and closing easy.
For big families or avid cooks with lots of organic waste, Utopia Home’s high capacity compost bin has room for all your food scraps.
Key Factors for Choosing the Right Countertop Compost Bin
Finding the perfect countertop compost bin depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider while shopping:
Size
Think about how much food waste your household generates. Are you regularly cooking large meals with lots of prep? Or is it just you and some occasional vegetables to compost?
Make sure to choose a bin with at least 1 gallon capacity. But for busier kitchens, 2-3 gallons provides more wiggle room before emptying.
Bigger families or frequent cooks should look for higher capacity bins. Just keep in mind the available space on your countertop or in cabinets.
Odor Control
Even with proper emptying, compost bins can get a bit smelly thanks to food scraps. So odor control is important for an pleasant kitchen experience.
Look for bins with activated carbon filters or charcoal filters in the lid. These actively absorb smells and ethylene gas released by certain fruits and veggies.
Bins with airtight sealing lids also help contain odors and prevent leaks. Open lid designs are more convenient but may allow more smells to escape.
Ease of Cleaning
No one wants a smelly or dirty compost bin cluttering up their countertop. Make sure to look for bins made of non-porous materials like stainless steel that won’t absorb odors and are easy to clean.
Plastic bodies are fine as long as you can fully remove any buckets/liners to wash separately. Avoid bins with lots of nooks where food can get stuck.
Also consider removable compostable liner bags that contain the mess inside the bin. Some even have handles for easy transport outside.
Style & Decor
Countertop compost bins come in all different colors and designs. Look for ones that will coordinate well with your existing kitchen style and color scheme.
Sleek stainless steel bins provide a modern vibe. Decorative copper lids offer a touch of luxury. And eco-friendly bamboo bins provide natural texture.
Consider the overall shape and size as well to find a bin that will fit in nicely on your countertop without cramping the space.
Durability & Longevity
Since you’ll be using your compost bin multiple times a day, durability is important for longevity.
Stainless steel bins are very durable, as are thick plastic bins made from BPA-free polypropylene. Avoid bins that feel flimsy.
Look for thicker gauges of metal and plastic. And check that lids and hinges are made from strong materials to withstand frequent opening and closing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Countertop Compost Bins
Q: How often do I need to empty a countertop compost bin?
A: About every 2-4 days for a 1-2 gallon bin. Larger capacity bins maybe 1-2 weeks.
It depends on how quickly you fill it up based on your household’s food waste habits. Don’t let stench and fruit flies be your indicator — empty regularly!
Q: What can I put in a countertop compost bin?
A: Food scraps like fruits, veggies, eggshells, coffee grounds. No meat, dairy or oils.
Countertop bins are for plant-based food scraps only. No animal products or grease, which can cause odors and mess.
Q: Do compost bins require special bags?
A: Yes, use BPI-certified compostable bags to line the bins and make emptying easier.
Look for bags made of plant materials like bamboo, corn starch or other renewable resources. Standard plastic bags will just end up in the landfill.
Q: How do I keep odor under control?
A: Use bins with carbon filters, take out food often, and keep lids tightly sealed.
Carbon or charcoal filters actively absorb smells and gases. And don’t let scraps sit for too long before emptying into your outdoor compost.
Q: Are compost bins hard to clean?
A: Look for removable buckets/bins and bins made of non-porous materials like stainless steel.
Bins with smooth, non-absorbent surfaces are easiest to keep clean. Removable plastic buckets make cleaning the bin itself unnecessary.
Start Composting Your Food Waste
Adding a countertop compost bin makes it so easy to save those potato peels, apple cores and other tasty scraps for nutrient-rich homemade compost.
With the right size bin, odor control, ease of cleaning and convenient access, you’ll look forward to contributing to the green cycle of composting.
No need to let compostable materials get thrown in the trash and end up in a landfill. Start making a difference right from your own kitchen.
The top countertop compost bins we covered provide quality construction, handy features and just plain good looks for your kitchen decor.
So do your part for a cleaner environment and richer garden soil by composting your food waste. Your plants and the planet will thank you!
David Henry
Hello, everyone! I'm David Henry, a dedicated customer and enthusiastic reviewer of Tractor Supply Company. As a farmer and agriculture enthusiast, I frequently visit Tractor Supply Company to explore and purchase a wide range of agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment. Over the years, I have accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in shopping at Tractor Supply Company, and I aim to help others make wiser choices through my sharing. I understand the importance of selecting the right products for farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. That's why I enjoy sharing my insights and recommendations to assist individuals in finding the best-suited products for their needs. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovering quality products and making informed decisions at Tractor Supply Company. Together, let's enhance our farming and outdoor experiences through valuable insights and practical advice.
