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10 Best Compost Bins in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)

Whether you're looking at limiting your carbon footprint or ways to get your garden thriving with minimal costs, compost bins are one highly recommended option. You get to recycle and reuse your kitchen and garden waste, which is great for the environment, plus you create some home-made soil conditioner at the same time! Unfortunately, not all compost bings are made equal, especially when there are so many options on the market.


That's where we come in. We searched the net to find the best compost bins out there. For example, FCMP Outdoor's Tumbling Composter is a versatile compost machine that lets you put new batches of scraps while "cooking" your previous batch in another compartment. And there's more where that came from! If you want to explore other options, we've included a buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger to help you decide on the type of compost bin that would best suit your available space, needs, and expectations. 

Last updated 09/26/2023
Amy Jeanroy
Expert
Master Gardener, Homestead Blogger
Amy Jeanroy

Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Compost Bins

Compost bins come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and yield varying types of compost too. Choosing one could be a task, but this buying guide here should help give you an overview as you decide on a particular one. 

1

Go for a Waste Collector as a Start

Go for a Waste Collector as a Start

Perhaps the easiest way to start composting is by getting a bin that collects your food or garden waste for it to be taken to a drop-off site, picked up by the garbage collector or sent to a recycling center. These often use special compost bags which are biodegradable and can be placed back into the soil. 


Compost collectors are also used indoors and can be placed on top of a kitchen counter for quick dumping of food waste. These bins usually come with a lid that contains a charcoal filter to reduce odor buildup. You need to transfer collected materials at least once a week and to a recycling center or a designated compost bin outdoors. 


What a compost collector does is makes things convenient for you because you don’t need to go back and forth everyday with your peels and scraps. We know that when an activity is within reach and requires minimal effort, it's easy to commit to. 


Since we're talking about waste, it wouldn't be a surprise if flies or other bugs are attracted to the source. Fruit flies, ants, worms, and bacteria are of course essential to the waste decomposition process, but you don't want them indoors!


If you're working with a kitchen crock, most have holes to allow oxygen in. This actually reduces odor by slowing the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which break down waste but are really smelly! Some people store their kitchen scraps in the freezer to keep odors and flies away when they can't get to the outdoor bin frequently.


You can also put some mulch or vacuum cleaner dust on the top layer of your kitchen crock to make it hard for the flies to reach their destination.

2

Pick a Bin Based on Type

Pick a Bin Based on Type

Different types of compost bins require different levels of attention, care, and maintenance. They also differ in the types of compost yielded.


If you're a gardener who needs a place to store kitchen scraps, some weeds, and yard waste, go for an enclosed bin, whether a compost collector for the kitchen, a continuous bin outside, or both. This way, you can throw in your scraps and forget! 

Batch Composters are Very Efficient

Batch Composters are Very Efficient

Batch composters are efficient compost machines which create the organic matter in the least amount of time. To help with the process, you need to induce oxygen in the bin by turning, mixing or poking the waste materials.


You can get compost bins with a handle that are designed to rotate for better aeration and to cook your batch faster. In hot weather, you can create a batch of compost in as little as four to eight weeks. Tumbling composters typically need to be turned every day for best results, and keep in mind that the bigger it is, the heavier it will be.


If you expect a yield periodically for your garden needs, then a batch composter is recommended. Go for the tumbling ones with dual function so you can get your compost in as little as one to two months. 

Continuous Composters are Easy to Maintain

Continuous Composters are Easy to Maintain

What sets continuous composters apart from the rest is that you can add fresh scraps at any point in time. These are usually enclosed bins for outdoor use only and come in layers. It works by decomposing your scraps at the top and bringing the fine compost matter to the bottom for retrieval. 


This way, you will always have some compost available and don’t have to wait for a batch to finish “cooking” before adding a new one. Due to the process of slow decay, a continuous composter usually takes about six months to complete one batch. The upside is you don't need to turn or mix anything. 


As an alternative, you can even get a tumbling bin with two compartments, one for your batch that’s cooking and another where you dump new waste. This way, you still get a continuous supply of compost. The rotating motion also helps in speeding up the process due to the oxygenation. 

Outdoor Composting May Bring in Animal Guests

Outdoor Composting May Bring in Animal Guests

Outdoor compost bins can attract unwanted visitors if they contain kitchen scraps. If your yard gets a lot of wildlife, you need to carefully consider this.


For bugs, plant some dense shrubs around the container, which acts as a dining area for birds to snack on the insects.


If you're dealing with bigger animals trying to get into your compost bin, go for a compost tumbler because the constant oxygenation prevents the buildup of moist odors that are attractive to bears, raccoons, rats, dogs, and the like.

3

Decide Between Indoor and Outdoor Composting

Decide Between Indoor and Outdoor Composting

If you want to compost at home, there are two main types: those meant to be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor bins are bulkier and perfect for bigger families or those with larger backyards. Meanwhile, indoor compost bins can only handle small amounts of kitchen waste.


Indoor and outdoor bins also differ in the types of compost they handle. Outdoor bins can accommodate large quantities of yard waste like leaves, cardboard, and kitchen scraps. 


The yielded compost could then be placed back into the garden as fertilizer. Indoor compost bins can also produce fertilizer or soil for houseplants or a small garden and typically only compost food waste such as coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food scraps or skins.  

4

Check out Anaerobic Composting for Indoors

Check out Anaerobic Composting for Indoors

An airtight bin can be placed indoors and does the full process even with the lack of heat and oxygen. Through a special fermenting system which uses microorganisms and other ingredients drizzled on top, your scraps are decomposed in an airtight container and turned into compost. 


One of the most popular anaerobic composting methods is known as bokashi. The final result is very fine, garden soil-like compost. These composters can also work across all seasons because they aren't reliant on the usual factors such as hot weather to create compost. 

5

Consider a Living Composter

Consider a Living Composter

Then we have a compost bin designed to maximize one of nature’s best composters: red worms. These can even be kept indoors because they make composting effortless and mess-free. What you typically get with a wormery are layers of trays to be filled with your scraps and the worms at the bottom.


With the right temperature, the worms dine their way up through the layers and leave you with rich compost and fertilizer for your soil. 


The red wrigglers are readily available online, although do take note of the season because they are often unavailable in winter due to the freezing temperatures. Vermiculture is not only convenient for households but doubles as entertainment for kids.

6

Think About the Climate You Live In

Think About the Climate You Live In

Composting is great if you live in a hot climate because that's exactly what you need to break down the scraps. In drier weather, you may need to add moisture either by hosing it down, or adding more wet scraps. Decomposition can naturally cause high very temperatures, so make sure it stays damp!


Composting in cold or winter weather is still possible, albeit at a slower pace. For those composting during the winter, choose an outdoor bin with a focus on animal-proofing rather than ventilation as the latter is not really needed in this weather. 


All you have to do is mix your pile when you get a warm spell to promote oxygen circulation, then proceed to a regular schedule come springtime. You can also opt for an indoor compost bin such as a mini tumbler or a wormery if you wish to get a yield during the cold months. 

7

Take the Aesthetics into Account

Take the Aesthetics into Account

This is an important consideration for those with limited space who wish to compost indoors. Go for a stainless steel compost collector so it will never rust, scratch or chip while looking sleek, or perhaps one that is made of ceramic, plastic or bamboo fiber for a more classic look.


If you’re after a complete compost bin for a small space, you can go for a mini tumbling composter which works like the big ones found in a backyard but could easily fit on a balcony.


Included with the design of a compost bin is cleanup because we are dealing with waste, after all. For countertop bins, you can get those that are has a smooth lining for easy wiping and washing or one that could go straight into a dishwasher for optimal convenience.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Compost Bins Ranking

Here are the best Compost Bins, ranked according to 10 Best Compost Bins (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

FCMP Outdoor

Tumbling ComposterIM4000

FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter 1

$88.22

High Mid

Small Tumbling Composter Great for Beginners

2

EPICA

Stainless Steel Compost Bin

EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin 1

$25.95

Low Mid

Rust-Proof Kitchen Scrap Collector

3

Full Circle

Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin

Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin 1

$29.99

Low Mid

Odor-Free Compost Collector With Biodegradable Bags

4

The Squirm Firm

Worm Factory 360

The Squirm Firm Worm Factory 360 1

$162.95

High Mid

The Living Compost Bin

5

Redmon

8000 Compost Bin

Redmon 8000 Compost Bin 1

$57.62

Mid

A Heavy-Duty Garden Compost Bin

6

Geobin

Compost Bin

Geobin Compost Bin 1

$39.99

Mid

The Moveable, Expandable, Open-Bin Compost Collector

7

Norpro

Ceramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper

Norpro Ceramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper 1

$31.59

Low Mid

A Stylish Yet Durable Compost Collector

8

Envirocycle

Mini Composter

Envirocycle Mini Composter  1

$189.99

High

A Great Compost Tumbler for Apartment Dwellers

9

Cooler Kitchen

Oversized 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin

Cooler Kitchen Oversized 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin 1

$32.99

Low Mid

The Dishwasher-Safe Compost Bin

10

D.F. Omer

Garden Composter Bin

D.F. Omer Garden Composter Bin 1

$79.90

High Mid

The Large Continuous Composter for Kitchen and Garden Waste

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

FCMP OutdoorTumbling ComposterIM4000

Tumbling Composter 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$88.22
High Mid
Reference price
$88.22
High Mid

Small Tumbling Composter Great for Beginners

What makes this composter versatile is its dual-chamber composition. This way, you have one side which can receive fresh scraps or waste while the other is continuously cooking a batch. Aeration holes provide your compost with adequate oxygen while deep fins break up any clumps.


Instructions weren't very clear, noted reviewers. It also requires two people to assemble the composter due to all the hardware (56 nuts and bolts to be exact), positioning, and tightening. Once done, the well-designed product pleased many reviewers! 


Users were impressed that the small bin could handle a large quantity of compost. They loved that the stand was sturdy, which made turning the compost easy even when full. The two sections were also a big hit among reviewers. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

EPICAStainless Steel Compost Bin

Stainless Steel Compost Bin 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.95
Low Mid
Reference price
$25.95
Low Mid

Rust-Proof Kitchen Scrap Collector

This nifty countertop compost bin has been welded in a single piece for durability and ease of use. You can open and shut the bin multiple times to put scraps in with no worry. It comes with a charcoal filter to eliminate odors, plus, it's made locally! 


For those who had issues with fruit flies appearing, reviewers provided many hacks such as keeping the bin in the fridge or placing a dish with vinegar and dish soap beside it to attract any potential settlers. Many had no issues with the bin, however. 


Many reviewers noted that the bin was definitely well-made. They didn't experience any build-up of odor or rust. It was also super easy to clean, they commented. The bin was handy and reduced trips to their outdoor bin to once or twice a week. 

No.3

Full CircleFresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin

Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid

Odor-Free Compost Collector With Biodegradable Bags

This compost bin can hold your food waste until it's ready to be collected by the recycling center or placed in the garden because the compost bags are biodegradable. It's been designed for quick access with a push of a button, and clean up is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts. 


A few users had a problem attaching the plastic bag at the rim, while many commented that the secure area ensured effortless removal of the bag without the contents spilling inside. 


Reviewers were satisfied with the product, from the durable yet biodegradable bags to the aeration holes under the bin to keep oxygen flowing and the flies and odor at bay. Their bags stayed dry, with no bugs and no smell. It also looks nice on top of the counter!

No.4

The Squirm FirmWorm Factory 360

Worm Factory 360 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$162.95
High Mid
Reference price
$162.95
High Mid

The Living Compost Bin

Keep this vermiculture composting system indoors or outdoors (from 40℉ to 80℉) and you have yourself a year-round compost system that requires minimal effort. It also comes with a built-in "worm tea" (liquid fertilizer) collector and spigot for easy draining. 


A few reviewers had difficulty understanding the instructions, especially those new to composting using worms. They suggest doing a little research to get the most out of the product because it does work well when fully understood. 


Many loved that all the parts were easy to assemble, didn't emit odor, and were customizable just in case you cook in greater quantities. It was also quick and easy to harvest the compost when done, they added. 

No.5

Redmon8000 Compost Bin

8000 Compost Bin 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$57.62
Mid
Reference price
$57.62
Mid

A Heavy-Duty Garden Compost Bin

This bin takes your compost pile to the next level. It has an open bottom so you can position it on the ground, giving the worms easy access to your waste and automatically draining liquid. The four doors at every side allow you to collect your compost. 


According to a few reviewers, the bolts and tabs to keep the bin on the ground were too short. They advise securing it using other methods to avoid the whole thing getting tipped over by the wind or animal guests. 


Even though the compost bin needs regular attention, the lid at the top was wide enough for people to poke and mix the contents to get oxygen in. The product was very easy to use! The material can be left out in the sun and doesn't get too hot to the touch, said reviewers.

No.6

GeobinCompost Bin

Compost Bin 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.99
Mid
Reference price
$39.99
Mid

The Moveable, Expandable, Open-Bin Compost Collector

This economical compost bin is perfect for those with big gardens and a lot of leaves to compost. It's easy to set up and use. Even those new to composting will enjoy the whole process. You can also purchase more than one and attach them together for an even bigger compost collector! 


The setup was a bit challenging for a few users, specifically the shaping of the bin. Others used pieces of wood to keep the container more stable. 


Many reviewers noted that the bin does a good job keeping everything in place in a breathable environment. It's simple, looked neat, and got their compost nice and hot. They loved that their bin was fully customizable. 

No.7

NorproCeramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper

Ceramic Floral Blue/White Compost Keeper 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$31.59
Low Mid
Reference price
$31.59
Low Mid

A Stylish Yet Durable Compost Collector

Don't be surprised if visitors accidentally open your compost collector thinking it's a cookie jar because of how stylish it looks. It comes in four equally gorgeous designs and can store your peelings, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other table scraps obscurely. 


A few reviewers got a bit annoyed with the lid not being airtight; however, many did not let this bother them too much because the bin still works and looks great. 


The ceramic container is easy to clean, can be used with a compost bag, holds a good amount of scraps, and doesn't emit a foul smell even if left for a day or two, shared reviewers. 

No.8

EnvirocycleMini Composter

Mini Composter  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$189.99
High
Reference price
$189.99
High

A Great Compost Tumbler for Apartment Dwellers

This tumbling mini composter can be placed on a terrace or balcony and doubles as decor because of how stylish it looks (it comes in black, too!). Fill it up with food scraps and compostable waste, turn every three days, and you get fine compost plus "liquid gold" compost tea for soil. 


A few users had difficulty turning the composter when the bin was full because there is no handle for spinning. Meanwhile, many had no problems with the grooves for turning. They liked that it needed no assembly whatsoever. 


The composter was definitely pleasing to the eye, said reviewers. It's also very easy to use and does not attract flies and other bugs. There's no smell, either! For those with questions, reviewers advise reaching out to the super-responsive customer service. 

No.9

Cooler KitchenOversized 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin

Oversized 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$32.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$32.99
Low Mid

The Dishwasher-Safe Compost Bin

This compost bin comes with activated-charcoal filters to trap and absorb odors, keeping your kitchen counter smelling fresh and clean as you compost. The lid fits snugly, and when you've transferred the scraps, just rinse and pop the whole thing into the dishwasher. 


When left in constant contact with water, the container can start to rust, said a few reviewers. Over time, the coating can also begin to chip or peel. Many others used their bins for a long time without problems. 


It can hold weeks worth of scraps with no occurrence of a foul smell, said reviewers. The inner removable bucket was the key to its success because it made the transfer and clean up a breeze, they added. 

No.10

D.F. OmerGarden Composter Bin

Garden Composter Bin 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$79.90
High Mid
Reference price
$79.90
High Mid

The Large Continuous Composter for Kitchen and Garden Waste

This king-sized composter converts your food and lawn waste into nutrient-filled compost fertilizer. The extra-large opening at the top lets you dump huge piles of grass or leaves in one go. Toss periodically, and you get your compost at the bottom. You can even buy an attachment to expand your composter with an additional 58 gallons.


A few reviewers noted there were no instructions provided in the box. You need to search online for the manual; however, it was relatively easy to set up for many. 


Reviewers noted the aeration system with this composter was more effective than their other models. They got finished compost faster and it could be easily retrieved from the wide doors at the bottom. 

Grow the Best Garden Yet With These Products

With great compost, your garden can thrive! But you'll need other equipment to maintain it, too. Here are a few more links that might interest you. 

In Collaboration With Master Gardener and Homestead Blogger Amy Jeanroy

Amy Jeanroy
Master Gardener, Homestead Blogger
Amy Jeanroy

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Compost Bins

No. 1: FCMP OutdoorTumbling ComposterIM4000

No. 2: EPICAStainless Steel Compost Bin

No. 3: Full CircleFresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin

No. 4: The Squirm FirmWorm Factory 360

No. 5: Redmon8000 Compost Bin

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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