According to the National Resources Defense Council, composting “adds nutrients and organic matter back to the soil,” a.k.a. black gold. This “benefits agriculture, reduces our reliance on synthetic fertilizers, diverts methane-producing organic materials from landfills, and improves soil’s water retention capacity so you don’t need to water as much.” Plus, composted soil is said to produce more delicious fruits and vegetables. Despite how complicated it may sound, all you really need is the right composting bin or compost barrel and the desire to be an eco-superhero. Beyond that, according to the EPA, just find a shady, dry spot for your bin, and moisten dry materials before you add them to the heap.
Best overall: VIVOSUN Tumbling Compost BinBest countertop: OXO Good Grips Compost Bin Best pallet: Redmon Compost Bin Best worm bin: VermiHut Plus Worm Compost BinBest budget: EPICA Compost Bin
Best compost bins: Reviews & Recommendations
Best overall: VIVOSUN Tumbling Compost Bin
This rotating batch compost bin is easy to use and mess-free. Two chambers let you alternate dual batches of compost, while the convenient tumbler lets you mix without getting your hands dirty. Adjustable air vents provide aeration for oxygen-rich soil, and a pair of garden gloves (included) let you excavate and plant your yard safely.
Best countertop: OXO Good Grips Compost Bin
Though it has a small footprint, this OXO style gets the job done. Oxygen flows through the soft-close lid to combat odor and insects. It can also be switched to stay-open mode, for ease when tossing in scraps. The internal bucket is removable and can be popped in the dishwasher, and its handle makes it easy to carry outside.
Best pallet: Redmon Compost Bin
Four access doors plus a top-lid make it easy to get scraps in and compost out. At 15 pounds empty and 26-by-26-by-30.75 inches, set it and forget it. Plus, this Redmon compost bin is made of post-consumer, UV-stabilized material that’ll stand up to all sorts of weather.
Best worm bin: VermiHut Plus Worm Compost Bin
This 17-by-17-by-33-inch multi-tray option has additional components like an ant trap, plus multiple boards made of different materials (e.g. coconut fiber) for moisture control, fruit-fly deterrence, and odor removal.
Best budget: EPICA Compost Bin
This rust- and leak-proof Epica composting bin option controls odor with an airtight lid and replaceable charcoal filter. Plus, it won’t leach any toxic chemicals into your compost.
Factors to consider when shopping for compost bins
Depending on how green (or not so green!) thumb your thumb is, ease of use should be the first consideration when choosing the best compost bin. The good news: Most models are relatively simple to operate. The right mix of materials—greens like foodstuffs and browns like newspaper and leaves—guarantee a nearly odor-free process. Beyond that, the process comes down to how much space you have and whether you’re comfortable adding insects to the mix.
Do you want an indoor compost bin or an outdoor compost bin?
The biggest variable between indoor and outdoor styles is odor. Composting—which, in essence, is accomplished by decay—can get stinky. Indoor composters tend to be smaller and more airtight, and they sometimes come with built-in filters. You could use your indoor bin as a layover for the backyard, i.e. a place to store scraps that eventually and quickly go into the bigger bin out back, assuming you don’t want what is essentially dirt and decay sitting on your countertop for weeks.
Would you prefer a nice and neat composting bin that fits on your countertop?
The upside to a countertop compost bin is that it’s small and tidy-looking, and you won’t have to schlep to the backyard every time you need to deposit a banana peel. The downside is, well, it’s small. And not just that, but without the tumbler feature of many outdoor models, you’ll either eventually have to transfer the contents of your countertop contraption to an outdoor one or do the tumbling yourself, i.e. using your hands or tools to mix the compost components together. Think of a countertop style as an add-on, not a fully functional composting system in and of itself (especially since it takes weeks for compost to fully develop).
If you want an outdoor compost bin, how many chambers would you like?
Compost barrels and bins tend to come in two varieties: single- and multiple-chamber. The main difference is that a multiple- or dual-chamber composter allows you to compost multiple batches on a rolling basis. For example, you can keep adding waste to one chamber while the other cooks). Technically, you don’t even need a bin to compost (though it certainly makes it easier). Those with greener thumbs can create a compost pit or trench in the yard, no bins or barrels required. If ease is what you’re after, a dual-chamber tumbler—so you don’t have to manually mix the compost—is the way to go.
Are you cool with worms?
How do I know what’s compostable and what’s not?
Eventually, you’ll get a natural sense for what you can and cannot compost. Until then, just defer to a trusted source, like the NRDC. As a general rule, avoid anything treated with pesticides, feces, dairy, charcoal, or fats. Do opt for leaves, shredded newspaper, coffee grounds, teabags, and fruits and veggies.
A final word on choosing a compost bin for you
A composter is a can’t-lose proposition! Just deciding to give composting a go means you’re on your way to living more sustainably and potentially growing more delicious food for your family. Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and lowers your carbon footprint. Which particular bin, barrel, or tumbler you choose comes down to your comfort level, personal taste, and aesthetic. Just pick the one that speaks to you, and you’ll be on your way to eco-hero status in no time.
