The Best Countertop Compost Bin to Try Today (& Why!)
Ready to compost? Explore the top countertop compost bins that make recycling food waste easy and eco-friendly, perfect for any kitchen size!
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Curious about composting but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you (and your banana peels) covered with a countertop compost bin.
The average American household tosses around 60 million tons of food waste every year. Most of it ends up in landfills, where it contributes to methane emissions (aka one of the most potent greenhouse gases out there!). But by getting into the groove of home composting, you can turn yesterday’s coffee grounds into tomorrow’s garden gold. Magic.
So, whether you’re working with a studio apartment or a full-blown farmhouse kitchen, a countertop compost bin is the no-fuss, no-mess way to save your scraps (Bonus: no green fingers necessary!)
Why Use A Countertop Compost Bin?
Countertop compost bins are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. They sit quietly on your counter, collect your food scraps, and keep your space looking (and smelling) fresh. Plus, they’re cute. What more could you want?
By collecting compostable bits like veggie peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds right where you cook, they make the process of kitchen composting seamless and accessible, with no backyard required.
They’re especially great for apartment dwellers or busy families who want to be more sustainable without overhauling their routine. Instead of throwing food waste into the trash (where it’ll end up in a landfill), countertop composters give those scraps a second life, whether you add them to your outdoor compost bin, a community drop-off, or a curbside composting program.
Bonus: These bins help control odors, reduce the need for plastic trash bags, and make trips to your compost pile more efficient. And because many of them are made from long-lasting or compostable materials themselves, they align with your zero waste values inside and out.
What Makes a Countertop Compost Bin Worth It?
Look for these must-haves:
1. A charcoal filter or vented lid (bye, stink!)
2. Durable, sustainable materials
3. A size that fits your space, but still holds enough scraps
4. Easy-to-clean interior (because no one has time for gunk)
5. Compatibility with compostable liners
Now, let’s get into our favorite countertop composters that are turning heads and trapping smells.
The Best Countertop Compost Bin For Your Zero Waste Kitchen
Best for durability and style
1. ZWS Essentials Stainless Steel Countertop Compost Bin
This sleek, plastic-free stunner is the compost bin of your dreams (if you’re dreaming about bins, that is). Built from sturdy stainless steel with a matte finish, it’s designed to last forever and look fabulous doing it.
Why We Love It:
- Holds 6.5 liters (1.7 gallons) of scraps
- Smell-be-gone lid with a charcoal filter
- Rust-resistant, easy to clean, and compact (10" x 9")
- Works with our compostable trash bags
- Perfect for solo composters or full households
Best for low-waste living
2. Astrik Plant-Based Countertop Composter
This compact cutie is made from 100% plant-based Astrik material, so it’s built to last but will break down when it’s finally ready to retire (in like, many many years). Empty your scraps into your compost pile or drop-off bin, toss the bin in the dishwasher, and repeat. Easy-peasy.
Why We Love It:
- Just the right size (7" x 7" x 8.75")
- Ventilated and filtered lid = no smell, no problem
- Sleek enough to display, rugged enough to use daily
- Compatible with reusable silicone liners
- Totally dishwasher safe (YES!)
How to Use a Countertop Compost Bin (Like a Pro)
1. Scrap It
Pause when you reach for the trash can. Pivot. Toss your food waste in your countertop compost bin instead (veggie peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, even that last bite of toast you didn’t finish). There you go.
2. Seal It
Pop the lid on to trap odors and keep airflow going.
3. Empty It
When full, dump the contents into your outdoor compost bin or bring it to your local compost collection site.
4. Clean It
Rinse with soapy water or pop it in the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe. Done.
Need a little help getting started? Check out our guide: Composting For Beginners guide.
Composting Made Easy: Grab the Bundle!
Want to make composting even simpler? The Composter Bundle has everything you need to get started: odor control filters, compostable liners, and a sleek, durable bin all in one go.
It’s the perfect way to kick off your zero-waste journey (or upgrade your current setup) without overthinking a thing.
So...Which Countertop Composter Should You Pick?
Looking for the best kitchen compost bin with no fruit flies or odor?
You really can’t go wrong with these two options. If you want something sleek and made to last, our ZWS Essentials Countertop Compost Bin is your forever friend. Prefer something that goes back to nature? The Astrik Bin has your back.
Whatever you choose, just know that every peel, rind, and leftover crust you compost is a step toward a cleaner, greener planet. Who knew kitchen scraps could feel so heroic?
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