Best compost bins

Save the environment and money while making your garden thrive with the best compost bins.

best compost bin
(Image credit: Lenka Dzurendova via Unsplash)

The best compost bins help turn your kitchen waste and unwanted garden bits into nutrient-rich food for the plants and vegetables in your yard. These inexpensive bins hoard organic materials until they are ready to be used as a natural resource. Available in small and large sizes, these vessels can be used indoors and outdoors. Here's a list of our favorites. 

Staff pick

iTouchless stainless steel compost bin

(Image credit: iTouchless Housewares and Products Inc.)

iTouchless stainless steel compost bin

Odor-absorbing filter

This compost bin is great for use inside your home. It fits comfortably under your kitchen sink or on your countertop. This model is made from fingerprint-proof, rust-resistant stainless steel. It has a filter that absorbs odor to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. 

Pros:

  • Easy to clean
  • Rust resistant
  • Compact

Cons:

  • Indoor use

The filter will wear out, but it is easy to purchase replacement filters and add them to this compost bin. This bin will hold up to 1.6 gallons of organic material until you are ready to move it outside to a larger compost bin, tumbler, or compost pile. It also features an easy-to-clean BPA-free inner lining. The lid has air holes to allow air to move through it.

Best value

OXO Good Grips easy-clean compost bin

(Image credit: OXO)

OXO Good Grips easy-clean compost bin

Designed for easy cleaning

This compost bin can accommodate 0.75 gallons of material. Made from smooth plastic and featuring a charcoal grey color, it is aesthetically pleasing and hygienic. The bin's small size makes countertop storage convenient. Its interior is smooth, which prevents messy residue.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Removable lid

Cons:

  • Made from plastic

The flip lid securly closes to prevent odors from seeping into your home, plus it's removable for hassle-free disposal. Carry this style via its basket-style handle when moving it from your kitchen to outdoors. Because it is made from plastic, it is easier to clean and treat to remove odors, but it also doesn't last as long as metal-made bins.

Best stainless steel

best compost bin

(Image credit: Amazon)

EPICA stainless steel compost bin

Sizeable design with a charcoal filter

This 1.3-gallon compost bin is made from strong stainless steel that is scratch-proof and rust-resistant. The interior features a replaceable charcoal filter that targets odors. One filter provides around 6-months of protection. 

Pros:

  • Holds a lot
  • Durable design
  • Charcoal filters

Cons:

  • Filters sold seperately
  • Indoor use only

One filter comes with this bin, but you will need to purcahse additional filters to keep odors at bay. Cleaning the filter is easy, too; it can be washed with soap and water. This model is great for the kitchen and can be stored beneath your sink. It is not recommended for use outside.

Best tumbler

best compost bin

(Image credit: Amazon)

FCMP IM4000 dual-chamber tumbling composter

This bin turns to compost

If you're looking for a compost bin that is designed to mix large amounts of organic waste, this one is a great choice. It accommodates up to 37 gallons. To use this model, simply toss your scraps into its large opening and turn the bin five to six times every couple of days.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Efficient

Cons:

  • Outdoor only
  • A little simple

With two separate sides, you can use the material in one compartment and toss organic materials in the other. This way you'll always have rich matter for your garden. You don't have to use this tumbler as your only compost solution. You can keep this bin outside and use a smaller bin inside to collect scraps over a few days to be added to the FCMP bin all at once.

Best for outside

Redmon 65-gallon compost bin

(Image credit: Amazon)

Redmon 65-gallon compost bin

Keep this one in your yard

This compost bin can store up to 65 gallons. Made from durable weather-resistant and UV-stabilized material, it is designed for the outdoors. To use this bin, simply open the snap-on lid located at the top. As it fills, slide the bottom doors open and allow the compost to release and fertilize your yard.

Pros:

  • Several access doors
  • Holds 65 gallons
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Not a tumbler

This bin isn't a tumbler, so you will need to manually work in the organic materials so it composts correctly. Because if its size this particular bin is only for outside use, but it is a great solution for keeping compost handy when you need it.

The bottom line

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The best compost bins store organic waste while it transforms into fertilizer for your plants and garden. The iTouchless stainless steel compost bin is great for the kitchen. It is durable and features a BPA-free lining and a filter that eliminates odors, leaving your home smelling fresh as your scraps are composting. 

The FCMP IM4000 dual-chamber tumbling composter is great for use outdoors as it can store up to 37 gallons. This option is designed to tumble, ensuring your organic materials mix well. It creates nutrient-rich compost in only a few weeks. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.