Best compost bins, according to real composters

CNN

6 days ago

Compost bin quick picks
A small compost bin to get started: Oxo Good Grips Easy-Clean Bin
A large compost bin for busy kitchens: Exaco Eco 2000-NP 2.4-Gallon Pail
Certified compostable liner bags: BioBag The Original Compostable BagComposting at home is a fantastic way to reduce your impact on the planet, and with the best compost bins, you can start turning your food scraps into compost and reduce your waste. Whether you have a backyard composter or participate in your city's curbside program, composting is an easy habit to start.
Once you figure out how to start a compost pile or research your town's rules, you might be looking for a countertop compost bin to collect all your food scraps. But before you buy a fancy bin for your kitchen, take a look around your house.
'As an environmental organization, we encourage people to use what they already have available,' said Lia Lucero, community engagement manager at the Lower East Side Ecology Center. 'Just about anything can be turned into a container, and we've seen a lot of creativity from participants dropping off at the Union Square Greenmarket. Items like yogurt tubs, takeout containers and salad boxes can all be repurposed for collecting food scraps.'
Although a compost bin is an eco-friendly product, the more sustainable option is to use what you already have. If you don't have a container at home or like the idea of a separate bin to help you collect food scraps, we've listed some of the best on the market to get you started.
EconoHome 5-Gallon Bucket Pail Container With Lid
"My expertise is mostly in compost production, so I am in favor of any bin of organics that is clean (contamination-free)," said Rutger Myers, director of compost and carbon farming at Eco-Cycle. "I'm not particularly picky about my organic receptacle bin. At home, I use a 5-gallon bucket with a lid."
Simplehuman Compost Caddy
This compost bin can attach to existing Simplehuman trash cans, making it a great modular option. It has a sleek design but is on the smaller side compared to other bins.
Oxo Good Grips Easy-Clean 0.75-Gallon Compost Bin
This small compost bin from Oxo is made from plastic, so it's easy to clean. It won't be as durable as any stainless steel option, though.
Red Factor Premium 1.3-Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Bin
This stainless steel compost bin can hold 1.3 gallons of food waste and keep your kitchen from stinking with a charcoal filter. It's very similar to a bin I've had and used for over four years. Compost bins aren't typically dishwasher-safe, but stainless steel is easy to clean in the sink.
Epica 1.3-Gallon Stainless Steel Countertop Compost Bin
This stainless steel bin also has a charcoal filter to help reduce odors. I've found I like bins with 1.3 gallons of capacity, as it gets full in about one to two weeks. I've had issues in the past with discoloration of painted and enameled containers, which is why I prefer plain stainless steel.
Kibaga Kitchen Compost Bin With Smell Proof Lid
This cute can is made from stainless steel but has a wooden handle and knob. If you keep your bin on your counter and care about aesthetics, this could be a good option.
Tiyafuro 2.4-Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin
If you'd rather keep your compost bin under the sink, this nifty hanging bin is a great option. It holds 2.4 gallons, so unless you create a lot of food waste, you'll probably want to empty it even before it gets full.
Exaco ECO 2000-NP 2.4-Gallon Kitchen Compost Pail
Another large, budget option for kitchens that produce a lot of scraps, this pail has a carbon filter and is built from sturdy plastic.
BioBag The Original Compostable Bag
If you want to line your bin to make clean up a little easier, make sure to research if your collection facility can accept bags. These from BioBag are certified compostable in industrial composters only, so you might want to line your bin with paper bags to be extra safe. Elena Lopez, senior outreach and communications manager at LA Compost, also encourages collecting scraps with whatever you already have at home, such as a bowl or food container. Even if it's a bin you're about to throw in the recycling, it could be used to collect scraps.
However, she also said, 'If a stylish compost bin inspires you to stick with the habit, go for it. Just consider choosing one made from durable, sustainable materials like aluminum.' Stainless steel and aluminum are the best materials to look for in a compost bin. Some bins have an enamel coating to make them more aesthetically pleasing, but that coating can come off after years of use.
When deciding which bin to choose, there are a few factors to consider. 'When choosing a container size, it depends on how often curbside collection is scheduled in their area and how much food waste they generate between pickups,' Lucero said. 'In NYC, curbside composting is typically once a week, though some residents also have access to local drop-off sites, including Smart Compost bins.'
Besides the dimensions of your bucket, location is also an important factor to consider when collecting your food waste. 'We recommend keeping the container in the freezer to prevent fruit flies and odors,' Lucero said. 'For those storing their container under the sink or on the countertop, troubleshooting with shredded newspaper or baking soda can help. Some people use a two-step system: collecting daily scraps in a small container and then transferring them to a larger container stored in the freezer.'
Especially if you're storing your container under the sink or on your countertop, look for a bin with either an airtight lid or one with a charcoal filter to help reduce odors.
The following FAQs were answered by composting experts Elena Lopez and Lia Lucero, and include reporting done by Kai Burkhardt, CNN Underscored's outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor.
What are the best types of food waste to put in a compost bin?
What are the best types of food waste to put in a compost bin?
'The types of food waste accepted vary by program,' Lucero said. 'NYC Curbside Composting and Smart Bins accept a wide range of scraps, including meat and dairy. However, community food-scrap drop-off sites usually don't accept those items, as they're processed through smaller composting systems.'
As a reminder, when you're tossing your onion and banana peels along with other scraps, make sure to look for and remove any stickers, as they won't break down.
How often should you empty a compost bin?
How often should you empty a compost bin?
You should empty your compost bin about once a week or whenever it gets full. This is easy when you have curbside pickup, but if you're dumping your scraps somewhere, remember to stick to a frequent schedule. If you leave food scraps in the bin for too long, it can start to smell bad, grow bacteria or attract pests.
What types of bag liners are the best for compost bins?
What types of bag liners are the best for compost bins?
'If you prefer to line your bin, brown paper bags or newspaper are compost-friendly options,' Lopez said. 'We recommend avoiding plastic liners, which can cause issues in the composting process and often aren't accepted.' Some liners are certified compostable, however, such as BioBags, which are recommended by Lucero and can be broken down in industrial composters.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Elena Lopez, senior outreach and communications manager at LA Compost
Lia Lucero, community engagement manager at the Lower East Side Ecology Center
Rutger Myers, director of compost and carbon farming at Eco-Cycle
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, CNN Underscored's outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt spoke to a number of compost experts from across the country. He also has been collecting his own food scraps for compost for over four years.