Using the guidelines below, we are going to demystify compost containers and help you find the best one for your needs.
Is your current container an eye-sore?
Do you have to hide your compost pail whenever guests come over?
Don’t fret…we’ve been there. Before we owned a proper compost pail, there were days when we would walk in our front door, and be blown over by the “festive” odors coming from under our sink.
Thankfully, those days are gone, and now we’re greeted each day by our beautiful, odor-trapping, stainless-steel container.
Enough about us…let’s start figuring out which container is right for you.
They are small portable containers you use for the short term storage of your food scraps (e.g. vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds), and other compostable materials (e.g. paper towels and tissue paper). Typically these containers are stored in your kitchen, either on your countertop or underneath your sink. Once full, we hope these containers get emptied into your backyard compost bin; however, some people choose to transfer the contents into a larger container, which will eventually picked up by their municipal waste collectors.
These containers are also known by several other names, including compost pails, compost crocks, and compost keepers. Throughout this site we frequently interchange these terms to ensure we appeal to everyone’s interests.
1. Appearance
2. Capacity
Note – According to a 2004 Waste Management Industry Survey, the average American household generates approximately 500lbs of kitchen waste per year.
3. Cleanability
Some containers are dishwasher safe. This is a great feature and saves a lot of extra hassle.
5. Handle
6. Lid
7. Filter
8. Ventilation
If your container doesn’t have a filter, please be sure it has some sort of ventilation for air circulation.
10. Composition
11. Durability
12. Hanging Capability
As we said before, kitchen wastes can weigh a lot and we don’t like the idea of all that weight hanging from our cupboard wall. There is always the fear that the contents will weigh too much, fall, and rip a chunk out of our cupboard walls. However, the models that hang directly over your cupboard door reduce the likelihood of the above scenario from taking place.
13. Instructions and Support
What if you have a question about your composting container, can you call anyone for help? As long as you buy from a reputable supplier than this should not be an issue for you.
Does your compost crock come with an instructions manual? Most crocks do come with instructions. If not, just ask us. We’re always here to help.
14. Price
Hopefully, the above list of criteria shines some light on the things you need to consider before buying a compost container. If you have any additional criteria that you think we should include, please contact us and we’ll add them to our list.
Of course, the easiest and cheapest thing to do is to make your own homemade composting container. This can be as simple as a small plastic garbage bin, or as complex as the handmade miniature compost container seen below. No matter which container you choose, you would be wise to try and meet as many of the above criteria as possible. For instance, if you can find a container with a lid, handle, and ventilation…you’re on the right track.
If you’re at a loss, or want some further directions on creating your own compost pail, please see our section on homemade compost containers for more information.We’ve also got a great tips section for getting the most out of your composting container. For instance, add 1 cup of garden soil to your kitchen compost container each morning, or night, to help eliminate odors. This habit will also help to speed up the composting process.
This section contains a variety of our reviews, and opinions, of the various composting containers on the market. We are constantly in search of the ideal compost container, so if you have any experience with them please post your comments below.
We have divided our reviews according to the materials used to make the various compost containers, including:
Stainless Steel
These containers offer wonderful aesthetics, however, some of the bolts in a couple models may have a tendency to rust.
Ceramic
How strong are you feeling? These crocks contain odors really well, however, you must be feeling strong in order to move them from your kitchen to your compost pile.
Our Review of the Norpro Compost Keeper
Plastic
If you’re an eco-nut, then recycled plastic may be just the type of container for you. Plastic compost pails are quite affordable, but sometimes lack aesthetics.
Our Review of the Exaco Kitchen Compost Collector
Wood/Bamboo
Wood and bamboo containers are gaining in popularity because of their more natural appearance. This may be why some compost junkies use these containers out by their BBQ or on their decks. Sadly, these containers do tend to break down more quickly than some of the other types.
Click below to see comments and questions from other visitors to this page…
Kitchen Compost Containers
I would like to find a container that goes under the sink, holds 3-5 gallons, is fruit fly proof, and has a foot pedal to open the lid. Can’t find!
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Getting Greener
I’m looking for a compost pail that is manufactured in the USA. Homer Laughlin had an attractive one, but I can no longer find it. Any ideas?
Kitchen Compost Container Filters
I purchased a kitchen compost container, however, I can’t seem to figure out the filters. Why did the container come with 2 filters: 1 round filter and …
Countertop Compost Pail – A Temporary Stop-Over?
We have a stainless steel countertop compost pail (1 gallon) and were led to believe that we could make compost in it. From reading articles on the Internet, …
Compost Replacement Filters – Where Can I Purchase?
Where can we purchase the compost replacement filters for our kitchen compost pail? Two replacement filters came with the container I just purchased, but …
Cleaning your Compost Pail?
My wife and I have a stainless steel compost container with a filter. I dump food in there everyday and then take it to the garage occasionally to put …
Hanging Compost Container
I am looking for the type of bin that hangs on a kitchen drawer front, which enables me to prepare my veg on a board on the worktop, then just scrape the …
My Favorite Freebie Container
My favorite freebie compost container is a plastic bucket that originally held cat litter. Admittedly, it’s not very pretty, but it holds lots of kitchen …
What Can I Add To My Compost To Speed The Breakdown?
Do I need to add anything besides garden soil to my countertop compost pail in order to speed up breakdown process? Is the charcoal in my compost replacement …