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The 10 Best Kitchen Compost Bins for Cleanly Storing Food Scraps
It's time to start cutting back on food waste.
By 
Whether you're starting a backyard garden and don't want to spend a fortune on fertilizer or are simply hoping to cut down on waste (like grandma would have), there are plenty of reasons to start composting your kitchen scraps. Food waste is terrible for landfills, nitrogen-rich soil is great for plants (like our lawns, flower beds, and food gardens are made out of) and it's just plain sensible! In fact, many cities and municipalities are even starting to collect food waste separately from other trash, so they can compost it.
If you're going to collect your kitchen scraps—whether it's for your own backyard compost pile, for a local community garden, or because your city, county, or town is starting to collect it separately—you'll want some place to collect it. That means finding a place to put bits of food where they don't make a mess, and won't smell. You could, of course, put everything in a gallon-sized plastic bag. But that way tends to be messy, so usually a small dedicated container is the way to go. Any lidded plastic container will do, though you want it to be big enough to hold a day's scraps (and not so big that it sits around for a week — phew!).
Here, we've collected 10 of our favorite kitchen bins. Most of these have features like charcoal filters, are easy to clean, look relatively pretty, and are fairly economical. One of them is the ultimate countertop device, turning food waste into garden-ready dirt in a matter of hours. But all of them are Country Living approved!
EPICA Stainless Steel Compost A Great All-Around Compost Bin
Together, an airtight lid and charcoal filter help to control and trap odors. The contraption is also resistant to rust and leaks and at 1.3 gallons, big enough to hold several days worth of waste. It boasts thousands of positive reviews and is one of Amazon's all-time best-selling compost bins.
Full Circle Freezer Compost Bin A Freezer-Safe Compost Bin
Full Circle Freezer Compost Bin A Freezer-Safe Compost Bin
Worried about the smell? This smart silicone bin is designed to be stored in your freezer. When it's full, simply flip it upside down and squeeze, and the frozen scraps drop right out. It's also dishwasher safe.
OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin A Stylish, Easy-to-Clean Compost Bin
OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin A Stylish, Easy-to-Clean Compost Bin
This simple, stylish, all-plastic bin is easy to clean, and features a removable lid. It comes in white and gray.
KaryHome Hanging Bin A Space-Saving Compost Bin
This hanging bin features a hook that lets you tuck it away inside most cabinets by hanging it on the door. Flip it around to the outside of the door, and you can scrape food waste directly in. It can also be attached to a wall.
BioBag Food Scrap Bags Don't Forget Compostable Bags
BioBag Food Scrap Bags Don't Forget Compostable Bags
Made from plant starch, these liner bags are great for keeping bins and counters clean. Best part? They'll break down in commercial and even some backyard compost piles.
The Relaxed Gardener Kitchen Compost Bin A Sturdy Pail with a Liner Bucket
The Relaxed Gardener Kitchen Compost Bin A Sturdy Pail with a Liner Bucket
In addition to its lovely cream color, this compost bin boasts a convenient feature: You can open the lid with just one hand. A plastic liner bucket adds to the appeal and keeps the outer bin from leaking.
Bamboozle Countertop Composter A Stylish Bin That Looks Great
Bamboozle Countertop Composter A Stylish Bin That Looks Great
This beauty of a bin will take pride of place on your countertop. Made from sustainable bamboo materials, the sleek design and pretty wood handle will be right at home in your modern kitchen.
YukChuk Under-Counter Kitchen Food Waste Container A Larger Hideaway Compost Bin
YukChuk Under-Counter Kitchen Food Waste Container A Larger Hideaway Compost Bin
This pail mounts behind any cabinet door, and at 1.5 gallons will hold quite a bit, to reduce trips to the yard. It's great for larger families or folks who do a lot of cooking.
Norpro Ceramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper A Beautiful Ceramic Container
Norpro Ceramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper A Beautiful Ceramic Container
We just can't resist the look of this one. Sophisticated and elegant, it wouldn't look out of place even next to the sugar bin!
Vitamix FoodCycler A Complete Food Waste Solution
Vitamix FoodCycler A Complete Food Waste Solution
If you don't want the bother of waiting for food to compost—and money is no object—this quiet, compact, odorless device is for you. Forget an outdoor bin: This'll turn kitchen scraps into garden fertilizer in a matter of hours, with a minimum of mess or fuss!
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