According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food scraps make up more than 30 percent of the average household’s waste. Rather than ending up in a landfill, this organic matter can be composted and transformed into nutrient-rich plant fertilizer.
Countertop compost bins aren’t used for indoor composting but rather for storing compostable material until you transfer it to an outdoor bin or compost pile, or send the material to a collection center.
While choosing the best countertop compost bin might seem like a simple decision, there are actually a number of considerations to weigh. This guide will explore several important features to look for as you shop and then provide choices by category for some of the top products on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Epic Kitchen Countertop Compost Bin
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Oxo Easy-Clean Compost Bin
- UPGRADE PICK: Lomi Home Composter
- BEST SMALL: Norpro Ceramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper
- BEST LARGE: Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin
- BEST DOUBLE PAIL: The Relaxed Gardener Kitchen Compost Bin
- BEST PLASTIC: Joseph Joseph Stake Food Waste Caddy
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Bamboozle Food Composter
- BEST STAINLESS STEEL: Simplehuman Compost Caddy
- BEST ODOR FILTRATION: Vitamix FC-50 FoodCycler
How We Chose the Best Countertop Compost Bins
Countertop compost bins appeal to everyone from the enthusiastic recycler and gardener to the keen home cook. They are an integral part of the increasingly popular zero-waste kitchen concept.
Given the number of potential shoppers, it was important for us to select as wide a variety as possible. We not only looked at different sizes but also a variety of finishes to match kitchen decors.
From a practical point of view, odor control is a key feature, as are ease of cleaning and a convenient way of emptying the contents into an outdoor bin once full. Value for money also played a part in our decision-making, and there’s something here for every budget.
Tested countertop composters from this guide:
Our Top Picks
The top picks take into account the abovementioned features to consider when shopping for the best countertop compost bin in addition to overall quality and value. Read on to discover some of the top options on the market in a variety of categories for an eco-friendly kitchen.
Photo: amazon.com
Epica’s countertop compost bin boasts a 1.3-gallon capacity, making it the ideal size for most households. The cylindrical shape allows the bin to be conveniently tucked into the corner of a countertop. The stainless steel construction is not only resistant to rust and corrosion, but it also matches other stainless steel appliances for a seamless aesthetic. This bin is molded from one piece of steel, ensuring it won’t leak. The material doesn’t absorb smells, and a replaceable activated-charcoal filter in the airtight lid increases odor control.
This compost bin is dishwasher-safe, but it can also be hand-washed or easily wiped clean with a cloth. The filter is also safe to hand-wash and should be replaced every 6 months. The bin measures 11 inches tall with a diameter of 7.16 inches.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Odor control: Carbon filters
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Pros
- A model that will suit many households offering good capacity at a modest price
- Stylish brushed stainless steel fits in with most decors and is resistant to rust
- Replaceable activated-charcoal filters give effective odor control for around 6 months each
Cons
- Complaints are rare, although the claim of U.S. manufacture is incorrect
Get the Epica countertop compost bin at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Oxo’s plastic countertop compost bin is affordable and well designed. It features a soft-seal construction that allows for oxygen flow and prevents odor buildup. The lid easily flips up and down and is also removable to simplify the emptying process. Carry the bin outside via the rotating handle to further aid in emptying.
The bin is available in two sizes. The 0.75-gallon version measures 7.5 inches long by 6.6 inches wide by 6.4 inches deep and is a great choice for small kitchens, while the 1.75-gallon model measures 12 inches long by 10.1 inches wide by 8.35 inches deep—large enough for households that produce a high quantity of kitchen scraps. It’s available in white or charcoal to suit the decor of most kitchens.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 0.75 or 1.75 gallons
- Odor control: Lid seal
- Finishes: White or charcoal
Pros
- Attractive bin with convenient flip-up lid at a competitive price
- Smooth interior surface sheds dirt so there’s no need for plastic bags as liners
- Sturdy but comfortable handle makes it easy to carry and empty
Cons
- Some may feel a positive closure or gasket would be better for containing smells
Get the Oxo countertop compost bin at Amazon (both sizes), The Home Depot (large), or The Container Store (small).
Photo: amazon.com
The Lomi home kitchen composter will be attractive to environmentally conscious shoppers prepared to invest in eco-friendly technology that could actually save them money in the long run. The Lomi doesn’t just contain waste, or chop it up; it actually converts it to compost that is ready to use straight from the machine. Actual bulk is reduced by 80 percent, so the composted contents are light and easy to empty.
An airtight lid captures any odors, and activated-charcoal filters neutralize them, returning fresh air to the kitchen. According to Lomi, energy consumption is just 0.08 cents per cycle, and the device could save further money in reduced curb-side trash costs. It also reduces the methane emissions that are released when food normally rots down. Fruit and vegetables, bread, grain, coffee grounds, meat, and chicken bones can all be processed with the normal cycle taking just 4 hours.
What Our Tester Says: Bob Vila editor and product tester Mark Wolfe says about this composter: “Over the course of a month, I used Lomi in every mode, and it worked as advertised. During the month, I added pretty much any kind of food scrap or leftover I could think of, including things I have never added to other compost systems. In limited quantities, leftover spaghetti, a hot dog, and stale potato chips had good results.”
Read our full review: Lomi Home Composter: Is It Worth It?
Product Specs
- Capacity: 0.79 gallons
- Odor control: Airtight lid and charcoal filters
- Finishes: White
Pros
- Doesn’t just store or chop waste but produces ready-to-use garden compost
- Saves energy and reduces emissions for net-positive environmental impact
- Simple to operate, quiet, and comes with filters and pods for 90 cycles
Cons
- It’s quite a bulky unit, and the price will be too high for many
Get the Lomi countertop compost bin at Amazon or Lomi.
Photo: amazon.com
With a vertical, cylindrical shape measuring 10 inches long by 7 inches wide by 7 inches deep, the Norpro countertop compost bin is well suited for kitchens with limited countertop space. However, the 3-quart capacity is still ample enough for households that produce smaller quantities of food waste. The lid includes a replaceable filter to help to contain odors.
The bin is made from ceramic and features a blue floral pattern, making it a decorative choice to suit traditional or country-style kitchens. The stainless steel handle makes it easier to empty the bin and won’t rust or corrode from moisture exposure. This bin is also available in solid white, black, and red.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 3 quarts
- Odor control: Carbon filter
- Finishes: Floral, black, red, white
Pros
- Attractive ceramic bin with strong rust-resistant stainless steel handle for carrying
- Available in 4 finishes to suit rustic, classical, or country-style kitchens
- Easy-to-clean with carbon filter in lid to help eliminate odors
Cons
- It’s not cheap and not dishwasher-safe; wash by hand
Get the Norpro countertop compost bin at Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Full Circle’s countertop compost bin features a 1.5-gallon capacity and measures 11.38 inches long by 9.2 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep, making it an ideal choice for households that produce large quantities of food waste. It’s designed for use with biodegradable compostable bags, and five bags are included with purchase. The patented lid design allows air to circulate and prevents odor buildup when it’s closed; simply push the button to open.
This compost bin is constructed from a combination of BPA-free recycled plastic and partially recycled steel, and all parts are easy to disassemble and dishwasher-safe. Choose from two color combinations: black and white or green and slate.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1.5 gallons
- Odor control: Patented airflow design
- Finishes: Black and white; green and slate
Pros
- The ideal size for a big family or busy kitchen at a competitive price
- Patented airflow design reduces odor and has easy push-button opening
- Eco-friendly manufacture with no toxic chemicals, recycled plastic, and partially recycled steel
Cons
- Compostable bags need to be used (5 included) or it may leak
Get the Full Circle countertop compost bin at Amazon or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
A double-pail design makes a countertop compost bin easy to empty without requiring bags. This model from The Relaxed Gardener features a leakproof plastic liner bucket designed to prevent rusting of the powder-coated steel outer bin. The cream-colored finish of the outer bin offers a traditional, aesthetically pleasing feel that will suit most kitchens.
You can open the lid, which includes an odor-control carbon filter, with just one hand. The bin provides a 0.8-gallon capacity and measures 9.5 inches long by 6 inches wide by 6 inches deep. Wash both the inner liner and outer bin by hand with soap and water.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 0.8 gallons
- Odor control: Carbon filter
- Finishes: Cream
Pros
- Clever combination of durable powder-coated steel exterior and plastic bucket
- Easy-to-clean interior doesn’t need liner bags and just lifts out for emptying
- Uses odor-neutralizing filters with 6-month life span to combat smells (1 extra included)
Cons
- Faults aren’t common, but sometimes the lid seal is ineffective or the inner bucket cracks
Get the Relaxed Gardener countertop compost bin at Amazon or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
This countertop compost bin by Joseph Joseph boasts an oversize 9.26-inch opening that allows you to scrape in food from a plate or cutting board without making a mess. It’s designed to be used with compostable bags, and a liner-retaining interior keeps them in place. The lid easily flips open, includes a replaceable odor filter, and features a ventilated design for optimal air circulation.
Choose from three neutral colors: graphite, sky, and stone. The bin is constructed from plastic, and the handle is made from stainless steel. It boasts a capacity of 1.05 gallons and measures 9.26 inches long by 7.76 inches wide by 6.34 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Odor control: Ventilation and carbon filter
- Finishes: Graphite, dark blue, stone
Pros
- Tough but attractive BPA-free polypropylene body with rust-resistant stainless steel handle
- Combines an optimized airflow design with carbon lid filter to maximize odor control
- Easy to wipe clean with special retainer to keep the compostable liners tidy
Cons
- Odor filters only last 3 months; recommended liners are not included
Get the Joseph Joseph countertop compost bin at Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
This countertop compost bin from Bamboozle is made from biodegradable bamboo fibers, ensuring minimal environmental impact when it’s eventually discarded. Bamboo is also a renewable resource that can be frequently harvested. The material is resistant to moisture and heat, making this bin both durable and dishwasher-safe.
The lid uses dishwasher-safe carbon filters (sold separately) to minimize odors and also features ventilation holes for further air circulation. Choose from two colors: graphite and natural. The dimensions of the bin are 9 inches long by 8 inches wide by 6.25 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1.9 gallons
- Odor control: Charcoal filter
- Finishes: Natural, graphite, terra cotta, forest, navy, saffron
Pros
- Sustainable-design award winner made from renewable and biodegradable bamboo fiber
- Strong enough for everyday use, dishwasher-safe, and resistant to moisture
- Available in a wide range of soft shades to suit virtually any kitchen decor
Cons
- Charcoal lid filters only last around 2 months and can be difficult to source
Get the Bamboozle countertop compost bin at Amazon or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
The Simplehuman Compost Caddy isn’t just sleek and stylish; it’s also versatile. It can sit on the countertop, and thanks to a magnetic catch on the back, it can also dock with Simplehuman’s full-size kitchen bins or hook over many slim-rimmed models. A wall mount is also available (at extra cost).
Capacity is 1.06 gallons (4 liters). The stainless steel surface is fingerprint-resistant and has an antimicrobial coating that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, and mildew. A soft-seal lid allows the contents to breathe, which manages odor to keep pests away. The plastic inner tub is easy to wash with soap and warm water, and a pack of 30 fully compostable liners is included. Matt black and white versions are also available, though these do not have the special coating.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1.06 gallons
- Odor control: Soft-seal lid
- Finishes: Brushed stainless steel, matte black, white
Pros
- Brushed stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-resistant and has antimicrobial coating
- Soft-seal lid manages odors, and plastic inner tub is easy to keep clean
- Includes 30 disposable liners that can be composted with the waste
Cons
- Most owners are happy, but a few had issues with the hinge or poor closing
Get the Simplehuman countertop compost bin at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Target, or The Container Store.
Photo: amazon.com
Most countertop compost bins simply store kitchen scraps until you can empty them into an outdoor composter or deliver them to a community collection center. Vitamix’s FoodCycler, on the other hand, actually transforms organic waste into fertilizer in a matter of hours. Not only does the carbon filter in the lid fight smells, but breaking down the material also helps reduce odor.
Food scraps—including chicken bones—are processed at the touch of a button. In 4 to 8 hours, the device reduces content to one-tenth of the original volume. It’s a similar principle to an outdoor compost tumbler, but smaller and faster. It provides an approximate 10.5-cup capacity, but since the power cycle can be run daily, the size is less relevant compared to standard countertop compost bins.
This machine requires access to an electrical outlet and is substantially larger than the standard countertop compost bin, measuring 14.2 inches long by 12.6 inches wide by 11 inches deep. The interior bucket is dishwasher-safe.
Product Specs
- Capacity: Approximately 10.5 cups
- Odor control: Carbon filter
- Finishes: 2-tone slate/gray
Pros
- Reduces food scraps, including chicken bones and coffee grounds, to 10 percent of the original volume
- Can run multiple cycles per day with just the push of a button
- Carbon filters control odor, and removable waste bucket is dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Very expensive and needs to be close to a power outlet (2-foot cord)
Get the Vitamix countertop compost bin at Amazon, The Home Depot, Costco, or Vitamix.
What to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Compost Bin
While it’s easy to assume that all countertop compost bins offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality, including size, material, odor control, availability of additional features, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best countertop compost bin for your kitchen.
Size and Shape
First, consider your available counter space as well as how much food waste your household produces. Small countertop compost bins typically have a capacity of less than 1 gallon. While they take up less room, you’ll need to frequently empty them. Bins with larger capacities of more than 1 gallon don’t need to be emptied as often, but they require higher-quality odor-control systems since the food scraps sit longer.
Countertop compost bins are also available in a variety of shapes. Cylindrical models are popular because they primarily take up vertical space and can be tucked into a corner when not in use. Rectangular models cover more counter space but have wider openings, making it easier to scrape food into them without a mess.
Material
Countertop compost bins are typically made from plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination of these materials.
- Plastic compost bins are affordable and easy to clean. They are lightweight but not the most durable option, often requiring replacement after a few years. Plastic also needs to be frequently washed to prevent it from absorbing odors.
- Metal compost bins are made from either aluminum or stainless steel. They are easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and won’t rust or corrode over time. Metal also doesn’t easily absorb odors, making it a great choice for compost bins.
- Ceramic is often chosen for aesthetic purposes and is typically heavier than plastic or metal. Ceramic compost bins usually feature a removable inner pail to conveniently empty the contents.
- Eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic and bamboo are popular choices for compost bins since composters are often also seeking environmentally friendly products. Bamboo fibers are a biodegradable renewable resource that can be formulated with water-resistant and even dishwasher-safe qualities.
Lid and Handles
The lid is one of the most important factors in the design of a countertop compost bin. It’s essential that you can open the lid with one hand to easily add food. Many compost bins are designed with a lid that locks in an open position to prevent you from having to repeatedly open it while preparing a meal.
Handles make it easier to carry the compost to an outdoor bin or compost pile. Most compost-bin handles are made from durable stainless steel to ensure durability.
Odor Control
All countertop compost bins require an odor-control system. It’s not just to prevent unpleasant smells but also to stop it from attracting pests like fruit flies or mice. The most basic models simply have ventilation holes to provide increased circulation. Most high-quality bins, however, feature replaceable carbon or charcoal filters to absorb unpleasant smells. These bins include holes in the lid, which release air after it has been filtered. Some filters are hand washable with soap and water to increase their longevity, but both charcoal and carbon filters must be changed every 3 to 6 months. Compost bins are occasionally sold with additional filters.
It’s important to note that even compost bins with high-quality odor-control systems still need to be regularly emptied.
Aesthetic
Countertop compost bins are available with a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit just about any taste. Since it will be visible on the countertop, consider a compost bin that fits with your kitchen decor and overall aesthetic. Plastic bins often feature a rainbow of colors, while both metal and ceramic models also frequently have a colorful coating. Choose from sleek modern designs, traditional patterned finishes, and industrial-style stainless steel models.
FAQs
If you’re ready to make your home more eco-friendly by adding a countertop compost bin, you may have some questions. Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q. What can I put in a countertop compost bin?
The items you can put in a countertop compost bin vary depending on how they will eventually be composted. Backyard composters are generally limited to plant-based food scraps that will decompose quickly, while industrial composters can handle animal bones as well as paper and cardboard products.
Q. Should compost bins be in the sun or shade?
Placing a compost bin in a sunny spot like a windowsill will accelerate the decomposition process and cause unpleasant smells. Place your compost bin in a shady area to keep the contents cool.
Q. Does a kitchen compost bin need air holes?
Some compost bins are designed with air holes to improve ventilation, while others contain odors by using replaceable filters or providing a tight seal on the lid.
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