At some point in the future, we will all be living out our own version of The Jetsons. With self-driving cars on every street and personal robots next door to do your bidding, it can feel like anything is possible. But one thing that seems a little harder to imagine – what’s going to happen with composting? Is this a job for humans or machines when you think about it? Let’s look at how things might play out if humanity stays put.
The “food scrap container for countertop” is a type of compost bin that is designed to be placed on the counter or in a cabinet. This compost bin will allow you to own your kitchen and keep it clean.
We examined the top compost tumblers available online last week. These are a space-saving and convenient solution to compost your yard, garden, and kitchen trash. The best part is that you won’t have to strain your back by mixing your compost with a shovel or a pitchfork.
But what if you don’t always want to carry your compost outside? In such situation, a kitchen compost container is a good option. These are tiny, compact containers that rest on your counter and allow you to scrape away food waste while cooking and cleaning. Let’s look for the greatest countertop compost bin available.
Contents
1. Epica Compost Bin in Stainless Steel
1.3 gallon EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin with Charcoal Filter
- THE PERFECTLY SIZED COMPOST BIN: AS SEEN IN BON APPETIT AND FORBES | Epica’s first 1-gallon compost bin has arrived. Epica’s precisely proportioned miracle, small enough to keep on your counter but large enough to carry many days’ worth of biodegradable organic kitchen, won over the globe. 7.16″ in diameter x 11″ in height
- CLEANING PROCESS: Unlike other bins that are welded and prone to rust and leaking at the weld places over time, the elegant stainless steel bin is molded in one piece and resists corrosion and leaks. Environmentally friendly convenience is always available.
- NATURALLY CONTROL ODORS: The airtight cover and changeable activated-charcoal filter work together to naturally capture and manage smells, allowing you to keep your kitchen compost bin on your counter or wherever you need it. The stylish contemporary style goes with any dcor.
- CONSTRUCTION OF DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL TO LAST A LIFETIME: For strength and durability that won’t scrape, crack, or chip, it’s molded in one piece. Made of high-quality, rust-resistant stainless steel that won’t leech chemicals into your compost.
- INCLUDES REPLACEABLE CHARCOAL FILTER: An odorless indoor compost bin requires a specifically constructed activated-charcoal filter. Like the container, the filter may be cleaned with soap and water. With proper maintenance, it may last up to 6 months.
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The Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin is one of the most popular kitchen composters available. It boasts a timeless stainless steel design that goes with almost any kitchen. In addition, within the lid is an activated charcoal filter that allows for ample of airflow while also removing smells.
The Epica’s stainless steel build is very sturdy and durable, allowing it to withstand several knocks and bumps. It’s also scratch-resistant, so there won’t be any grooves to hold scents.
This piece is 11 inches tall and little over 7 inches in diameter. The entire volume is 1.3 gallons, which is enough kitchen waste for many days for most people. That means, depending on consumption, you’ll only have to empty your bin once a week.
The charcoal filter lasts for up to six months and helps keep smells at bay. The replacement filters are fairly priced, and the protection is good. However, separating the top and bottom pieces of the lid is cumbersome, making changing the filter tough.
The Epica is simple and painless to clean. There are no welded connections to corrode and retain smells since it’s made from a single piece of steel. Furthermore, it is dishwasher safe, allowing you to clean it without getting your hands wet and wrinkled.
Pros:
- Superior odor control
- Cleaning is simple.
- Tough and long-lasting
- Elegant style
Cons:
- The lid design makes changing the filters difficult.
2. Compost Bin Linkyo
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The Linkyo Compost Bin is another stainless steel option that’s designed to be Tough and long-lasting. The finish is resistant to both rust and stains, which means it’s going to remain attractive for a long time. And the plain steel finish will match just about any kitchen, so you won’t need to worry about it clashing with your décor.
This composter is 11.2 inches tall and has a width of 7.8 inches. The capacity is limited to a gallon because to the heavy cover. However, that’s plenty for a few days’ worth of fruit and vegetable waste.
A package of four activated charcoal lid filters is included with the Linkyo. This makes it a good odor absorber. You’ll have one complete year of odor prevention since each filter lasts three months.
Unfortunately, the mesh structure of these filters is loose, and the lid includes wide air holes for oxygen movement. This is fantastic for keeping bacteria alive in the compost, but it also gives fruit flies a safe haven. To avoid this, you’ll need to remain on top of your cleaning.
The Linkyo’s strong steel grip was another feature we loved. When you’re not using it, it spins beneath the bin and swivels effortlessly so you can transport your compost outdoors.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Cleaning is simple.
- Simple to maintain
- Superior odor control
Cons:
- Fruit flies are a threat.
3. Compost Bin OXO Good Grips Easy Clean
Easy-to-Clean Compost Bin by OXO
- For regular counter-top usage, the size and shape are ideal.
- The lid swings up for convenient filling and down to keep smells out.
- Food and liquids do not build up on smooth interior walls.
- Emptying is straightforward thanks to the contoured bottom and retractable lid.
- A rotating handle makes it simple to move garbage to an outside composter.
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The OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin is a plastic bin with a stylish and appealing appearance. If you want something that doesn’t appear like it came from a hardware store but has the ease and light weight of plastic. The outside shell comes in black or white to fit most kitchens, while the inside green layer gives a nice pop of color.
The capacity of this compost container is merely 34 gallons. This implies you’ll have to replace it on a regular basis. Kitchen leftovers, on the other hand, won’t linger long enough to foul up the place.
The Good Grips has a tiny shape that will fit on most counters, with outer measurements of 7 inches on all sides. It’s light, with no wrinkles or crevices where dirt might collect and attract pests.
This compost container is dishwasher safe, which is something you’ll love. But proceed with caution. Because the ABS plastic can stretch and melt if it is placed too near to the heating source, this item should only be used on the top rack.
The cover of the Good Grips allows for some airflow, but there are no vent holes. However, air movement isn’t as important as it would be in a bigger bin. With its diminutive size, it won’t be sitting around for long enough to make a difference.
Pros:
- Clean and appealing design
- Very Cleaning is simple.
- It’s simple to empty
Cons:
ECO-2000 by Exaco
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The Exaco ECO-2000 is a massive, hefty countertop composter with a capacity of 2.4 gallons. This is an excellent option for big families or if you have other biodegradable materials on hand, such as old newspapers or guinea pig bedding. The base spans 8 12 inches by 9 inches, and the height is 11 inches, so it’s still a manageable size for most counters.
The ECO-2000 isn’t very attractive, despite its large storage capacity. It’s forest green and fashioned like a little garbage can, so it may not be a suitable fit for your kitchen’s decor.
This compost container includes a 4-pack of carbon filters that will last 3 months each. So you’ll have a year’s worth of odor prevention before you need to purchase refills. With a retractable filter cover that clips in and out with no effort, the filters are simple to change.
Furthermore, the filters and lid provide enough ventilation. This is a must on such a huge bin since bacteria will have a jump start on decomposition before you carry your compost outdoors.
The ECO-2000, like the Good Grips, is dishwasher safe, albeit, like with any plastic bin, it should only be washed on the top rack. Because of the big size, this may or may not be possible, therefore you may have to hand wash it.
The ergonomic handle was one of our favorite features of the ECO-2000. It not only swivels out of the way, but the scalloped design is also nice to hold and won’t slide if your hands become wet.
Pros:
- Controlled odors
- Large storage capacity
- Mountable on the wall
Cons:
5. Kitchen Compost Pail from Gardenatomy
Gardenatomy Kitchen Compost Pail Bin for Indoor Countertop – LARGE 1.3 Gallon Food Scrap Container, Leak proof Stainless Steel – Includes 1 Year’s Worth of Dual Charcoal Filters & Compost Pail Bags
- BETTER VALUE: Most compost pails come with just 1 to 2 filters at most. Ours comes with an entire year’s worth of dual charcoal filters & biodegradable liner bags… so you get more for your money.
- STAINLESS STEEL, PURE AND PREMIUM: Our tough bin is made of 100 percent stainless steel and is seamless for leakproof robustness. It will never leak toxic chemicals into your compost, so rest easy!
- ELEGANT KITCHEN DECOR: Place this stunning canister on any kitchen counter. It complements any design because to its gleaming surface. It also blends perfectly with your other kitchen items.
- NO MORE ODOR: Seal the airtight cover after inserting one of our dual charcoal filters (included). The activated charcoal will absorb odors, while the cover will prevent any stray scents from escaping.
- Adore IT FOREVER, GUARANTEED: If you don’t completely love your Gardenatomy Compost Pail, you may return it at any time for a full refund. There were no questions!
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The Gardenatomy Kitchen Compost Pail is a lovely copper-plated stainless steel bucket with a traditional, vintage appearance. On the one hand, it’s difficult to be unhappy with the way this container appears on your counter. The copper finish, on the other hand, is not adequately applied and will begin to fade off after a year or two of washing.
However, if this is a significant problem, you have a backup plan. Gardenatomy guarantees your delight for life. Simply contact the firm and inform them that you want a replacement.
Each of the six charcoal filters included in this bin is good for two months of usage. You’ll have to replace the filters more often than with other types, but they provide Superior odor control and are simple to slide in and out of the lid. A roll of 50 liner bags is also included, making emptying the Gardenatomy quick and simple.
The lid’s huge air vents provide plenty of ventilation. On a 1-gallon bucket, this isn’t technically essential since your garbage won’t be resting for long. However, giving those microbes a head start in breaking down your vegetable leftovers never hurts.
Pros:
- Copper-plated pattern is stunning.
- Cleaning is simple.
- Superior odor control
Cons:
- Copper finish of poor quality
Buying a Countertop Compost Bin
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes a countertop compost bin worth purchasing – or not buying – now that we’ve gone through our evaluations.
Dimensions and Capacity
Size is clearly an issue since this compost container must fit in your available counter area. Before you go out and buy anything, be sure you have adequate space.
Obviously, there will be a compromise here: the less room your bin takes up, the lower its capacity. Most countertop types have a capacity of 1 to 2 gallons, however some bigger models have even more.
Material
Stainless steel is probably the most popular material used for home compost bins. It doesn’t absorb odor, it’s Tough and long-lasting, and it’s Cleaning is simple.. In addition, it’s a good match for almost any décor, so you won’t have to worry about color.
Ceramic compost bins are also popular. They’re a bit heavier than stainless steel, and they’re both durable and Cleaning is simple.. That said, they’re prone to shattering if dropped on the floor, so steer clear of ceramic if you have butterfingers.
Plastic is another common material. While it’s not as tough as stainless steel or ceramic, it’s significantly more affordable. On the one hand, it’s Cleaning is simple.. On the other hand, plastic is typically Cleaning is simple.. Additionally, it’s also easy to scratch, and scratches can form a safe haven for odors even when the bin is not in use.
Protection against odor
The trouble is, compost stinks. It’s just decomposing plant stuff. This isn’t an issue if you have a huge outside bin located far away from your home, but it becomes a problem when it’s directly under your nose when you’re cooking.
Carbon filters are found in the majority of the bins on our list. They’re all tightly closed. These are crucial characteristics to search for.
Physical Description
On the one hand, a composter’s Physical Description tells you absolutely nothing about how it’s going to perform. That said, appearance is still an important consideration.
One of the most crucial rooms in your house is the kitchen. There’s probably no other area in the home that visitors will view as much as your living room. So take the time to get a bin that complements your decor and looks beautiful on your counter.
Dishwasher-Friendly
The majority of countertop compost containers are dishwasher safe. However, you should double-check before putting one in there. However, be cautious when using plastic containers since certain plastics can melt if placed too near to the drying element.
Fruit Flies: Be Prepared
One disadvantage of allowing fruits and vegetables to rot in your kitchen is that they attract fruit flies. So, how do you deal with these annoyances?
Keep your eyes open to begin with. Although one fly may seem little, each female may lay up to 500 eggs at a time. With high reproduction rates, a little issue may quickly become into a big infestation.
The larvae devour the rotting fruit for 2 to 3 days after hatching before becoming adults. You have two days after this for them to start mating again. So you may go from a single fly to hundreds in less than a week.
The first thing you should do to avoid this is keep your counters and sinks clean. Fruit flies can feed on spills as well as garbage near your drain. You’ll have significantly fewer problems if their primary food source is a sealed compost container.
Setting traps is another approach to keep fruit flies at bay. You may either create your own trap or buy one from the shop.
Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in DIY fruit fly traps. Put it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and use a big sewing needle to poke a number of little holes in the top. Fruit flies will make their way inside to drink the apple cider vinegar, but they will not be able to leave in the same manner.
An old, half-empty beer bottle is an even cheaper method to catch fruit flies. The stale beer will have a delicious scent, which will attract fruit flies within the bottle. The neck, on the other hand, will confuse them and prevent them from flying out again.
You might also use a professional fruit fly trap, such as the Raid Fruit Fly Trap. This gadget is really successful, and it comes with a refill pack that supplies you with bait for 180 days. From April until October, it should be plenty to keep your kitchen fly-free. And after six months of making apple cider vinegar, dish soap, or beer traps, the cost is about the same.
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Raid Fruit Fly Trap (2 Pack Bundle) | 2 Lures + 2 Refills | Effective Fly Trap for Indoor Use | Fly Catcher and Gnat Trap for Kitchen & Dining Areas | Easy to Use & Safe Food-Based Lure Fly Catcher
- Don’t depend on common fly catchers, food fly killers, or fly control products when seeking for a simple solution to kill fruit flies that damage your meal. Raid Fruit Fly Trap Indoor Bait is a good option. The fruit flies are readily attracted, captured, and kept out of sight with this apple-shaped gnat killer trap. Our Gnat Trap Indoor Catcher is one of the finest fruitfly catcher traps on the market, and it will help you rid your kitchen or dining area of those annoying fruit flies.
- Fruit fly killer using food lure attractants that is safe: You don’t have to be concerned about chemicals or killing agents entering into the Raid Fruit Fly Killer Trap. Only a confirmed and tested food-based attractant that food flies can’t refuse is used in our gnat traps. These plastic gnat catchers are also safe to use near real fruit in food preparation areas. Even though our fruit fly traps for kitchen are non-toxic, you should keep them out of reach of children.
- You may rely on the following fruit fly trap: Raid has long been the most trusted name in pest control solutions for decades. While we are confident in the quality of our fruit fly killer indoor traps, we want you to know that you are our primary priority. If you are dissatisfied with your Raid Fruit Fly Catcher Indoor Traps purchase, please contact us right away so we can make every effort to improve your entire experience.
- Fruit fly traps that function for 180 days: Because this fruit fly trap attracts indoor flying insects with a food-based enticement, it effortlessly attracts all main kinds of fruit flies, causing them to enter the gnat catcher’s proprietary holes. Fruit or kitchen flies will be unable to escape the hard plastic apple-shaped traps and will finally die. You may use these fruit fly catchers for up to 180 days since they come with two lures and two free refill lures.
- Fruit fly trap that may be reused: Fruit flies are attracted to, trapped in, and killed by our fruit fly control traps. The best thing is that these indoor fruit fly and gnat traps are simple to operate. To use the lure, just place it in the water up to the fill line and seal it. After cleaning the fruit fly trap with warm soapy water, you may use it again for fruit flies and gnats. Replace the gnats and fruit flies bait every 30 days or until the trap is completely filled.
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Composting’s Advantages
Composting enriches your soil with beneficial microorganisms and humus.
Beneficial bacteria from your compost will last for years in the soil. They’ll break down organic matter existing in the soil and protect your plants from harmful germs.
Furthermore, the compost material is quite nutritional. Kitchen garbage is abundant in nitrogen, which is necessary for producing flowers and vegetables in the garden.
Composting minimizes garbage in landfills.
According to the EPA, yard and kitchen garbage account for approximately 28% of all waste created in the United States. However, just 8.9% of US garbage is composted. If everyone in the United States composted their food scraps and yard trash, we could cut landfill waste by more than 19 percent.
Chemical fertilizer is not required while composting.
Chemical fertilizer gradually leaches into our rivers and streams, where it finally ends up in the ocean. This results in algal blooms, which destroy local species. While huge agricultural businesses are responsible for the majority of this runoff, we all have a role to play in reducing fertilizer pollution.
Brands of Countertop Compost Bins
When purchasing new household products, it’s important to research the reputation of the maker. You wouldn’t purchase a vehicle from an unknown manufacturer. Why should your composter on your kitchen counter be any different? Here’s a rundown of the brands we’ve discussed today.
- Epica Products was formed outside of New York City in 2007. From shower curtains to pet nail clippers, fabric steamers to the kitchen compost bin we’ve mentioned here, they make a wide range of household items. They’re recognized for employing high-quality materials and providing prompt, courteous service.
- Linkyo is a corporation based in Southern California that was started in 2002. They began by making low-cost replacement ink cartridges for popular printers at a quarter of the cost of OEM cartridges. They’ve now extended their product line to include household items, such as their kitchen composter.
- Another New York City-based startup is OXO. Sam and John Farber, father and son, launched the company in 1990. They’re most known for their rugged, long-lasting coffee machines, but they also create a broad range of kitchen and bathroom products, as well as newborn care items.
- Exaco was started in 1987 in Austin, Texas, and is still run by the same family. They started out as a garden supply store and have now evolved to include a variety of equipment and materials for gardening, constructing outbuildings, and even kids’ sandboxes. Composting is just a logical extension of what they do.
- Gardenatomy is a Phoenix, Arizona-based company known for its strong, long-lasting compost pails. This is a one-of-a-kind brand that doesn’t make anything else. Goldsol Living, a holding company that owns various smaller companies throughout the globe, now owns them.
FAQ
When food, lawn, and garden waste rots, it leaves behind a black, damp humus that has little resemblance to food or grass. The odor may be unpleasant to humans, but it is caused by a mixture of germs and nutrients that your plants will like. But how can you put together an efficient blend? A basic composting FAQ may be found here.
Q: I’ve heard of nitrogen and carbon balance. So, what does this imply?
A: Nitrogen is required for bacteria and plants to produce protein, which is required for the formation of new cells. This is necessary to keep your compost going since bacteria must continue to proliferate in order to create heat, which breaks down the pile further. Vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and other moist materials are the finest suppliers of nitrogen.
Carbon is necessary for collecting moisture from nitrogen-rich materials and giving “bulk” to your compost pile. Furthermore, every plant need carbon to flourish. Dry items such as peanut shells and shredded newspapers, as well as old leaves, are suitable.
The trickiest aspect of utilizing a countertop compost bin is maintaining adequate carbon, so be sure to add some leaves or other dry trash to your compost heap every time you take it outdoors to empty it.
When it comes to nitrogen, the rule is simple: if your bin isn’t decomposing rapidly, you need additional nitrogen. You’ll need additional carbon if your compost is soaking wet.
Q: Should my compost be moist?
A: Maintaining the appropriate quantity of moisture in your compost is just as critical as balancing nitrogen and carbon. To keep the microorganisms alive, good compost requires air movement, and too much water might inhibit this. Too little water, on the other hand, will cause the bacteria to fall dormant.
So, what is the ideal moisture level? When you take up a handful of compost, it should feel damp but not wet.
Is a Microbe Starter Required?
A: A microbe starter isn’t required in most cases. Microorganisms in the air and on the exterior of vegetable skins can help break down your food waste. Decomposition will start quicker the first time you utilize your bin if you employ an accelerator like the one below.
Then it’s only a matter of saving a little portion of your previous batch to serve as a starting for your new one.
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What Should I Not Compost?
A: Compost containers are intended for plant waste, not animal waste. Raccoons will be attracted to meat, fish, and bones. These materials also stink to high heaven when used on a countertop.
Weeds are another item that should not be composted. You’ll wind up spreading weed seeds in your newly composted garden if some of their seeds unintentionally sneak into the mix.
It’s also crucial to avoid composting black walnut leaves. Poisonous, these leaves may infect your garden.
Also, unless you chopped the wood yourself, never compost sawdust. You never know what chemicals were used to treat commercial timber before you purchased it.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out this list of stuff you should never compost.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, the best countertop compost bin is going to depend on your own individual needs. Primarily, you’ll need to consider the Dimensions and Capacity, as well as whether the bin matches your kitchen.
However, if we had to choose just one container as the best, the Epica ticks almost every box. The stainless steel body, for starters, is elegant and goes with practically any kitchen. Second, it provides exceptional odor prevention while yet allowing plenty of air passage.
Finally, the charcoal filters have a six-month lifespan. Even if they’re a little more difficult to alter than some of the other filters on the market, you’ll spend less time doing so since you’ll be changing them so seldom.
Any of these countertop compost bins, however, would be an excellent choice. Consider your requirements and make an informed decision!
The “ceramic countertop compost bin” is a product that is created to be the best option for people who are looking to buy their own compost bin. The ceramic material makes it easy to use, and it has a sleek design.
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