Need A Sustainable Way To Dispose Of Food Scraps? Read On For The Best Countertop Composters For Small Kitchens
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Food is a basic human need, yet we take it for granted—creating food waste that contributes to 6% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Restaurants, grocery stores and our own households generate a good amount of food waste on a daily basis. And if you have a tiny squad of picky eaters, you know that’s not far from the truth!
So what can society as a whole do to lower our carbon footprint when it comes to food waste? The answer to that is indoor composting—and you don’t need a backyard to do it.
What Is Composting?
Composting is the method of taking food scraps and other organic items, placing them into a bin, and allowing everything to decompose and biodegrade into nutrient-rich material.
Composting is really quite beautiful. You’re essentially guiding dead matter into the afterlife, where it will emerge as something purposeful—it will contribute to the growth of new living matter. It’s literally the circle of life.
Compost acts as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner that’s used throughout the world for organic farming, gardening and landscaping. It also acts as a natural pesticide, reducing the need for harmful chemicals in agriculture.
There are three main ways to compost:
- Continuous composting occurs outdoors within large containers. This is a method primarily used by gardeners. Food scraps and landscape items such as weeds, grass clippings and twigs are continuously placed inside to biodegrade.
- Just as the name infers, batch composting occurs in batches in order to biodegrade at a faster rate. Food waste and other material are added into a pile at one time, then mixed and tumbled a couple of times a day until the compost is “cooked” and ready to be used. Then it’s switched out with new waste and the process is repeated.
- Indoor composting consists of composting on a smaller scale—mostly kitchen food scraps which are tossed into a gallon sized countertop bin that contains an odor absorbing charcoal filter (though not all bins require one). This smaller production of compost is typically used on household plants and small gardens, and it’s a great way fo strive for a zero-waste kitchen.
The Benefits Of Composting Food Scraps
Composting helps fight climate change! As mentioned previously, food that ends up decomposing in landfills contributes to six percent of global green house gas emissions.
When you compost, your small contribution helps reduce these greenhouse gas emissions, and you’re supplying your lawn, garden and household plants with organic and rich nutrients.
What Can You Compost?
You can compost most fruit/vegetable scraps, crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags and old bread. If you’re using an outdoor bin, you can throw in larger twigs, weeds, and grass clippings, etc.
You should never compost meat, fish, dairy products or oil of any kind, as these items will only attract maggots and rodents.
If indoor composting sounds appealing, then you should definitely give it a try! You’ll feel great about recycling organic matter and turning it into something purposeful.
Below are a few excellent kitchen countertop compost bins to get you started. They all come with tight seals and charcoal filters to trap odor, so no need to worry about attracting flies.
Concern about odor is a main reason that prevents people from pursuing this practice, but there’s really no need to worry about it.
These bins are easy to clean, and some are even dishwasher safe. It’s also up to you if you’d like to use a biodegradable liner. It’s really not required, but it’s easier to maintain a clean bin that way. Some of these bins come with liners included, and some must be purchased separately.
Another great feature about countertop compost bins is the size. They’re all primarily one gallon-sized containers, so they’ll fit just about anywhere without taking up much space.
They also all come in different styles—from retro to modern and contemporary. And, stainless steel to ceramic and more. So whatever look you’re into, there’s a compost bin out there that’ll match your kitchen decor.
The Best Kitchen Composters To Own In 2023
1. Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter
Lomi is your easy way to make a positive environmental impact. With just the push of a button, you can turn your food waste into nutrient-rich dirt that can be put into your garden or house plants in just 24 hours!
Some people can’t handle having food scraps sit around in traditional compost bins for weeks on end, so if you’re looking to make your kitchen more sustainable with as little effort as possible, the Lomi kitchen composter is the simplest and most productive way to do it.
2. OXO Good Grips Compost Bin
The OXO Good Grips plastic countertop compost bin is budget friendly and easy to clean with a removable lid and easy grip handle. This bin features soft seal construction for oxygen flow to prevent odor build up and does not require a filter. With 3 neutral colors to choose from, the OXO Good Grips compost bins will fit in with any kitchen decor.
3. Vitamix 068051 Food Cycler
Slightly bigger than your conventional countertop compost bin, the Vitamix food cycler transforms your food scraps into fertilizer within a couple of hours. While it does require an electrical outlet and takes up slightly more space, many people prefer the convenience and efficiency of this “smart” composter to traditional kitchen compost bins—it even composts chicken bones!
4. Bamboozle Biodegradable Kitchen Compost Bin
The Bamboozle kitchen compost bin is made from sustainable bamboo fiber, making this unique countertop bin completely biodegradable. It’s also resistant to heat and moisture, making this eco-friendly kitchen compost bin dishwasher safe and anti-microbial.
5. BelleMark Countertop Compost Bin
The BelleMark kitchen compost bin is made from sustainable acacia wood and contains a removable rust-proof stainless steel insert for easy cleanup (and it’s dishwasher safe). This rustic countertop compost bin features a secure lid to prevent odor and does not require a filter.
6. Joseph Joseph 30016 Intelligent Waste Compost Bin
The Joseph Joseph 30016 intelligent waste compost bin contains a wide opening that makes food emptying a breeze. This kitchen compost bin contains a liner retaining interior and a filter compartment in the lid for ventilation.
7. Modern Barnhaus Kitchen Compost Bin
The Modern Barnhaus kitchen compost bin is made from stainless steel. It includes a year’s supply of charcoal filters and biodegradable liner bags, a user manual, and a helpful composting dos and don’ts magnet. This countertop compost bin is ideal for beginners.
8. iTouchless Stainless Steel Compost Bin
This countertop composty bin by iTouchless is made of brushed titanium steel. It has a more contemporary look for those who like their kitchen decor simple. It contains a filter within the lid and tight seal to prevent odor. It’s also fingerprint proof and easy to clean.
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Eco Mom Diaries 
These are really cool! They would make a good gift idea too.
Great thought !!!
It’s always easier to do something good when you have a cute and stylish way to do it! Thanks for the recommendations!
These are really cute! I can actually see us using one since they’d blend in the kitchen.
I’ve been thinking about composting for awhile now! My town barely recycles, so I feel like this will be a good way to do what I can to help our planet.
That’s really great! It’s always awesome to see people take initiative when their resources are limited. As a military family, I’ve lived in lots of towns that don’t recycle—in fact, you have to pay extra to get a recycling bin!
I love how stylish these compost bins are!! I will have to check one out for my kitchen.