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So, you want to start composting – great decision! Food waste contributes a ton to greenhouse gas emissions, so composting can be a great way to reduce your climate impact.
The best part? It keeps your kitchen waste clean and less stinky. But it’s not possible to get this nutrient-rich soil additive for your garden without a compost bin.
Unfortunately, finding the right compost bin is the tricky part. You don’t want it to take up too much space, but you also don’t want to have to empty it all the time. Don’t fret; you’re at the right place!
In this article, we’ll tell you our top 5 compost bins and how to pick the best one.
Best Compost Bins at a Glance
The Blackwall Compost Converter is the top all-around choice, offering a balanced mix of size, efficiency, and durability for effective composting.
The Simplehuman Compost Caddy is the perfect kitchen companion, featuring a compact design and odor control for convenient indoor composting.
Tailored for indoor use, the Easy-Clean Compost Bin ensures a hassle-free experience with its user-friendly design and easy maintenance.
The Utopia Stainless Steel Compost Bin provides excellent value, offering affordability without compromising on quality. Its stainless steel build ensures durability.
The Hotbin Mini Composter excels in hot composting, generating higher temperatures for faster and more efficient decomposition of organic waste. Ideal for those prioritizing speed and effectiveness.
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Best Compost Bins In 2024
Here are our top 5 picks for the best compost bins you should get in 2024. Learn more about their specifications, pros and cons, pricing, and why we recommend them.
01
Best Overall
Blackwall Compost Converter
Reasons to Buy
- Fully recycled black bin
- Comes with an optional base
- Long warranty
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
Reasons to Avoid
- Only one access hatch
- Non-ventilated build
- Composts slowly
The Blackwall Compost Converter is a simple, practical approach to composting, with a snug-fitting lid and single hatch. Capping out at 220 litres, it’s the biggest composter on our list.
You’ll need to place the bin directly on the soil, or at least in a well-shaded spot, to allow drainage and good microbial action. If there’s only a hard surface to place the bin on, you can opt for a base plate.
The best part? There’s no assembly required – just pop on the lid and hatch and start filling. Since the bin doesn’t have any ventilation on the single-skin plastic sides, the composting process will take quite a bit of time.
Another thing to note is that the garden and kitchen waste doesn’t spread out as it settles in this bin. It needs a bit of stirring now and then if you want to fill the compost bin to the max. You can access the finished compost from the base hatch, but lifting the whole bin isn’t too hard either.
The Blackwall Compost Converter has a fairly simple design, so not much can go wrong. The 100 per cent recycled plastic is quite sturdy and durable; even the thinner slots on the hatch are robust. Plus, there’s an impressive seven-year warranty that you can’t miss out on.
Why Do We Recommend Blackwall Compost Converter?
We love the Blackwall Compost Converter for its fully-recycled and easy-to-set-up design. Its 330-litre capacity and optional base plate make it versatile for different kinds of spaces, but the best part is the affordable price. This mid-range composter takes seconds to assemble and comes with a seven-year warranty.
| Material | Recycled plastic |
| Capacity | 220 litres |
| Dimensions | 90 x 740 mm |
| Features | UV-stabilised and fully recycled |
Small to mid-size families and indoors
02
Best For Kitchen
Simplehuman Compost Caddy
Reasons to Buy
- Compact build
- Incredibly easy to use
- Attractive finish
- Super quiet hinge
- Integrates with Simplehuman's trash cans
Reasons to Avoid
- Somewhat expensive
- The lid can't prevent fruit flies
- Fairly small bin
The Simplehuman Compost Caddy is best described as the future of composting your kitchen scraps.
It’s the best compost bin for anyone who already has a trash can from Simplehuman, such as their Rectangular Step Can. That’s because it comes with a magnet mount to attach to the side of the trash can, creating a cohesive waste system in your kitchen.
It’s really convenient to have the compost bin right next to the trash. You can keep both lids open while sorting the mail and food scraps into the right bin. Plus, you’ll be reminded to compost whenever you see the trash.
Even if you don’t have a trash can from Simplehuman, you can just place the compost bin on your counter. It comes with a simple plastic bin inside that you can line with eco-friendly compostable liners.
Once the compost bin is full, you don’t need to throw the garden and kitchen waste out of the liner. You can simply throw the liner in the soil and let it work its magic. Although the compostable liners aren’t necessary, they do a great job of keeping the bin clean.
The only downfall is that this compost bin is slightly narrow and fills up fast. It may take a couple of trips to empty it every day.
Why Do We Recommend Simplehuman Compost Caddy?
The Simplehuman Compost Caddy has a perfectly sleek finish and a convenient docking system. In fact, you can easily use the magnetic docking bracket to attach it to the side of any Simplehuman trash can for a cohesive bin system. Plus, the lid’s damped hinge and soft seal help reduce odours.
| Material | Brushed stainless steel |
| Capacity | 4 litres |
| Dimensions | Unspecified |
| Features | Fingerprint-proof coating and soft-seal lid |
Small families for 2 – 3 people max.
03
Best Indoors
OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin
Reasons to Buy
- Easy-flip lid
- Fairly large opening
- Closes gently
- Handle for easy maneuvering
- Doesn't need a liner
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar odour control
- Doesn't have a filter
- Plain build
The OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin is the perfect receptacle to keep inside your home year-round. It offers several unique features at a shockingly low price.
For example, the stay-open lid easily flips up with one hand so that you can master the art of kitchen multitasking. Plus, you can easily throw in the food scraps since the opening is pretty large. The lid also closes gently and noiselessly.
We did note that this compost bin doesn’t have a filter, so it may start to smell if it isn’t emptied frequently.
Plus, the easy-clean compost bin has a handle, so it’s pretty easy to carry to a bigger composting bin or a local composting site. It also works great without a liner, which will save you a lot more money than you think. The capacity may be limited for larger families, but it’s just suitable for single households and small spaces.
We can’t forget to mention how the OXO Easy-Clean exceeds the reputation of plastic compost bins. It’s sturdy, long-lasting, and crack-proof.
Why Do We Recommend OXO Easy-Clean?
The OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin has an impressively compact and lightweight build, but we love it for its one-handed operation. It’s easy to clean, and containing odours has never been easier. We admit – the capacity is modest, but the price and performance make up for it.
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 2.8 litres |
| Dimensions | 210 x 250 mm |
| Features | Odor-containing and pest-reducing |
Ideal for small places and families looking for a durable bin.
04
Best Value
Utopia Stainless Steel Compost Bin
- Low-cost pick
- Small footprint
- Durable materials
- Handle for easy carrying
- Impressive odour control
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited capacity
- The handle gets dirty quickly
- Tricky to clean
Want to start composting but have a very tight budget? The Utopia Stainless Steel Compost Bin is the perfect entry-level composter. If you remember to stir every once in a while, you’ll have incredible finished compost, delivering a steady supply of nutrients in cold and warm weather.
Once it’s done composting, the bin’s handle makes it easy to carry over the organic matter to your garden. Although 4.9 litres may not seem like a lot, it takes a long while to fill up, even if you fill up vegetable waste quickly. In our test, we went through a ton of coffee grounds, kitchen scraps, and cooked food to fill up the Utopia bin just once.
As far as aesthetics go, this compost bin has a beautiful stainless steel build. It looks more like a bucket than a square trash can, giving it less of a practical look. The bin also has enough ventilation to improve the compost’s capacity to hold nutrients.
One thing we did note was how easy it was for the stainless steel handle to get grimy; you’ll need to wipe it down at least once a day.
Why Do We Recommend Utopia Stainless Steel Compost Bin?
The Utopia Stainless Steel Compost Bin is more than just an ultra-affordable choice; it’s also one of the most space-effective composting bins on our list. Its durable stainless steel build is ideal for countertop use. Plus, the charcoal filter effectively traps odours, while the removable lid adds to its convenience.
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 4.9 litres |
| Dimensions | 350 x 200 mmm |
| Features | Built-in charcoal filter and air vents |
Families who don’t want to compromise on the looks and aesthetics of their home.
05
Best Hot Composter
Hotbin Mini Composter
Reasons to Buy
- Composts quickly
- Can handle garden waste
- Self-contained
- Comes pre-assembled
- Built-in carbon filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Waste needs pre-mixing
- Needs bulking material
- Very expensive
The Hotbin Mini Composter is the best hot composting bin on the market in more ways than one. If you need to get usable compost in half the usual time, a hot composter is your best bet. These bins retain heat to speed up the decomposition process and help the organic matter break down quickly.
Even in the middle of winter, this hot composter regularly exceeds temperatures over 60 degrees Celsius. The manufacturer claims that the bin can produce compost in just one month, but it’ll be pretty rough. Fine compost will take about three months, which is still three to four months quicker than other compost bins.
What’s truly impressive about this hot composter is its incredible build. Made from ARPRO Expanded Polypropylene, it’s definitely built to last and even comes pre-assembled. Plus, it features a biofilter and lid thermometer so that you can keep a close eye on the composting progress.
Luckily, it doesn’t skimp out on the capacity either, so you won’t have to empty it too often. Even though it’s a smaller version of the Mk2 hot composting bin, it’s still big enough for large families.
The only downfall? It doesn’t come cheap.
Why Do We Recommend Hotbin Mini Composter?
The Hotbin Mini Composter is the top-performing hot composter on our list. It speeds up the composting process drastically while taking up little to no space in your kitchen. Lastly, its temperature gauge, carbon filter for odor absorption, and leachate containment add to its user-friendly features.
| Material | ARPRO Expanded Polypropylene |
| Capacity | 5 litres |
| Dimensions | 480 x 630 |
| Features | Biofilter and lid thermometer |
For families looking for a complete trash and compost solution.
Why You Need a Compost Bin
Most of us compost for one reason: reducing our negative impact on the earth. By composting organic materials, you can contribute to less biowaste ending up in landfills. That means 50% lower carbon dioxide green waste.
But this wonderful process does more than just reduce your carbon footprint. It also gives you the gift of nutrient-rich compost material to promote the growth of your houseplants and garden. Even if you’re not an avid gardener, your compost is still black gold for any local community garden or site.
Buyer’s Guide to Compost Bins
This buying guide has everything you need to know before you get your hands on a compost bin.
Types of Compost Bins
Compost bins come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, but these five types stand out the most.
Stationary Compost Bins
Stationary compost bins are the biggest type you can get. True to the name, they stay in place once you’ve put them in your garden. But they do hold large quantities of compost and leave room for worms and good microbes to speed up the composting process.
Wooden Compost Bins
Wooden compost bins are just as efficient as stationary models, but the benefits don’t end there. They’re much more sustainable than plastic compost bins and – let’s face it – easier on the eyes, too.
Since wood naturally breaks down over time, they’re not the most durable pick. You will need to replace them now and then, but the pros still outweigh the cons.
Tumbling Compost Bins
Tumbling compost bins are great for small spaces and kitchens since their small build doesn’t catch the eye of many critters. Still, they’re not a beginner-friendly pick, as they have a bit of a learning curve. You’ll need some composting experience to understand the technical aspects of tumbling bins.
Worm Composting Bins
Worm composting bins are similar to traditional compost bins in many ways, except for a few differences. First, they’re intended for kitchen waste and small-scale composting.
Also, instead of decaying, they rely on tiger worms to break down the composting materials. These worms do a great job of breaking down the materials quickly and producing a nutrient-rich liquid you can use as a fertilizer.
If the bin is large enough, you can add compost worms to any old composter. Still, keep in mind that not all waste is suitable for wormery.
Countertop Compost Bins
Countertop compost bins typically look like small buckets. They store your food waste until the end of the day, when you can dump it in a large compost bin or nearby composting site. If you don’t have a compost bin, these buckets can be a great way to keep your kitchen odor-free and clean.
But keep in mind that they aren’t made to create compost – they only hold the waste for a short period. The scraps will break down, but since there’s no aeration or brown material like mulch and leaves, it will simply turn into rotten food waste.
Hot Compost Bins
Hot composting bins are insulated with close-fitting lids. They expedite the decomposition process by keeping the food waste at high temperatures. In fact, traditional compost bins take around six months to get the job, while hot compost bins take only 30 to 90 days.
Plus, they create much finer compost. You’ll need to find a hard surface to place them on since they’re about the size of a wheelie bin.
What to Consider When Choosing a Compost Bin
Keep these factors in mind when picking the perfect compost bin for your kitchen.
Material
When compost bins are mentioned, most of us think of plain plastic boxes. In reality, these bins come in tons of different materials. Wood, metal, bamboo, and plastic are just a few popular options.
Plastic compost bins are a top pick for good reason, as they’re durable, pest-proof, and easy to clean. On the other hand, wooden bins may appeal to those who value looks and sustainability. This material does require a bit of upkeep to prevent rotting.
If you’re opting for a compost bucket, we recommend avoiding anything glass or ceramic. A big pile of food waste with shards of glass is the last thing you need! Instead, invest in heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel options – they last much longer, are dishwasher-safe, and often come with compost bags.
Capacity
When it comes to the capacity of compost bins, don’t settle for anything less than a cubic yard in size. Smaller bins are not as effective; you’ll need to empty them at least once or twice a day. Still, they can be helpful if you intend to empty them in a composting site at the end of the day.
While three-foot tall bins are ideal for two-person households, larger families would benefit from something bigger than four feet.
More importantly, the ideal size of a compost bin depends on how much organic waste you’re actually creating. In that case, each household has a different number. Lastly, don’t forget to pick a size that fits into your kitchen without being the center of attention.
Intended Use
You can’t choose a suitable compost bin before deciding how and where you’ll use it. For example, if you’re going to place it in a small urban garden or outdoor space, go for compact options like worm bins or tumblers. They’re great at odour control and offer easy access to green material.
Meanwhile, those with a larger yard should consider open bins since the air circulation will speed up the composting process. Closed bins trap heat and moisture, which is why they’re best for cold climates.
What to Put in Your Compost Bin
Whether kitchen waste, garden waste, or any other organic waste, there’s a lot you can put into your compost bin. The key is to follow a simple formula.
You’ll need to maintain a 50:50 ratio of nitrogen-rich green waste and carbon-rich brown waste. This golden ratio will help you ensure the waste is breaking down at the perfect rate.
Green leaves, potato peels, garden clippings, carrot ends, and coffee grounds are great examples of green material. Meanwhile, brown material can look like leftover newspapers, wood shavings, sawdust, and waste twigs.
Wormeries are the only exception since they only deal with small-scale waste.
How We Tested These Best Compost Bins
We gathered our top picks and assembled them according to the manufacturer’s instructions before testing their capabilities for over a year. We filled them to the required waste limit and added the same mix of waste for similar bins. Then, we used the following criteria on the tested compost bins.
- Design and Setup: Are the instructions simple? Do they include any siting restrictions? How well does the design work, and does the compost bin include any extra features?
- Ease of Use: How effortless was it to add waste and remove trash from the compost bin?
- Compost Quality and Speed: How long did it take for the waste to rot down in the compost bin? For hot composters, what was the temperature when the waste turned into compost? What was the quality of the finished compost?
- Value for Money: Is the product worth the price? Does it come with a warranty? How good is the company's customer support?
- Eco Credentials: Does the product come with any eco credentials? What is the type of material, and if plastic, is it virgin or recycled?
Frequently asked questions
A closed bin is best for small spaces and to deter pests, while open bins are ideal for larger gardens and faster composting.
A compost bin in partial sun aids faster decomposition, but shade can prevent drying out in hot climates.
Turn your compost pile every 4-6 weeks to aerate it and speed up the composting process.
Change compost in pots annually to replenish nutrients and maintain soil health.
Yes, grass clippings can be composted, but should be mixed with dry, carbon-rich materials to balance moisture.
