How To Pick a Compost Bin You'll Actually Use
Make 2020 your most sustainable year yet!
When my boyfriend and I first decided we’d be packing up our bags and moving to the west coast, I knew a lot of change was ahead. But the one change I didn’t foresee is how I would discard my food scraps.
While composting is not mandatory, it is a big priority on the west coast. According to San Francisco’s Environment page, residential buildings can get fined if they fail to provide their residents with an appropriate place to discard their compost. But whether or not it’s mandated, composting has plenty of perks. Not only does it add nutrients and vital organisms to the soil, it can also reduce the amount of landfill waste.
Ready to start composting? All you need is a great compost bin to get the job done. Whether you’re on the hunt for a bin on a budget or something that will actually look nice on your kitchen counter, one thing’s for sure: There’s bound to be an option for you.
While composting is a relatively easy way to make a positive impact, some rookies might wince at the thought of managing old, decaying food scraps. Luckily, Polder’s compost bin is here to help. With a flexible basket and smooth, non-stick surface, this option makes it possible to compost your leftovers without needing to touch your scraps. Simply push one the silicone bucket to empty your food scraps and toss it in the dishwasher once you’re done. The result? Composted scraps — minus the mess.
Composting doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny. In fact, it’s possible to lend Mother Nature a hand on a budget. Take OXO’s compost bin for example. Between a contour bottom that makes it easy to empty your compost and smooth interior walls to prevent foods and liquids from building up, this bin is designed with some of your biggest pain points in mind. This specific model is available in two sizes — 0.75-gallon and 1.75-gallon — making it the perfect option for composting rookies and aficionados alike. Oh, and did we mention it’s under $20?
Depending on your home’s layout, there’s a good chance you might wind up placing your compost bin right on your kitchen countertop. So you might as well do you and your space a favor and make your compost bin as stylish as possible. That’s where Silky Road’s bin comes in. With a vintage-inspired cream exterior and a rustic print, this been would look right at home in a farmhouse-inspired kitchen.
But don’t write this option off as all sizzle and no steak just yet. With a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon and an “Amazon’s Choice” badge, this compost bin is just as practical as it is pretty.
If square footage is at a premium, you might have to get a little creative about where you place your compost bin. Never fear, Joseph Joseph’s Easy-Fill Compost Bin is here to help. This option comes with a complimentary door mount, so you can attach this to the back of a cabinet door. This option might look small, but it can actually hold up to one gallon of compost. And, as the cherry atop of the sustainable sundae, this bin has an adjustable air vent to keep moisture, odor and pesky insects at bay.
If you want to take your compost habits outside of the kitchen, check out EJWOX’s composting tumbler. Made with two chambers, this option is designed to create more compost batches simultaneously — not to mention the tumbling aspect can help create a speedy turnaround. Plus, the aerated internal bar allows just the right amount of airflow to your batch, leaving you with nutrient-rich compost. Originally $130, this is the priciest option on the list, but if you’re an avid composter, this is one investment that will pay for itself in the long run.
Want to find one compost bin that does it all? Feast your eyes on Utopia Kitchen’s stainless steel compost bin. Made with a high-quality grade 201 stainless steel, this option can reportedly withstand scratches, cracks and chips. Not only can Utopia Kitchen’s bin hold up to 1.3 gallon worth compost, but it also has charcoal filters to keep any unfavorable smell at bay. Best of all, this compost bin features over 2,000 positive reviews, a 4.3 /5 rating on Amazon and an “Amazon’s Choice” badge. In other words, the Internet loves this compost bin — and we have a feeling you will, too.
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