Preparation
Composting our kitchen scraps saves loads from landfills and turns our food waste into black gold. Ask anyone who gardens and they’ll tell you how much they love compost. If you’re ready to get started on your journey to reduce food waste, a handy container in the kitchen is an essential tool in the composting process. Before you head off to your local compost-collection point, empty your scraps into a bin that is collected weekly by your city, or even walk to the bottom of your yard to add to your composter or pile, you’ll need a smaller receptacle—that’s ideally within reach as you work in the kitchen—to help you stay on track. It helps if that kitchen compost bin is easy on the eye, easy to clean, leak-proof, and as smell-free as possible. Ahead, we’re sharing our best tips for kitchen compost-collecting as well as our favorite compost pails to keep on your own countertop.
Best Steel: EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin with Charcoal FilterBest Large Compost Pail: Simple Human Step Trash CanBest Budget: PackageFreeShop Compost Bin ContainerBest Plastic: OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost BinBest Vintage Look: Cooler Kitchen Kitchen Compost Bin
If you’re new to composting, it’s important to note that these pails are not where the compost is actually made. Instead, they are temporary storage-receptacles for the daily scraps you generate that can be composted. If you drop off scraps at a community drop-off point, be sure to check if that location (often at a farmers’ market or community center) will accept paper bags or biodegradable compost bin liners—this will make the process more seamless for you. While many brands market their pails as dishwasher-safe, in our experience handwashing extends the life of the pail. (Removable liners marked as dishwasher-safe can be run through the dishwasher, though.)
