Compost bins are varied. They can live inside or outside; they can be big or small. They can look like a trash can or like something you’d pull Bingo numbers from. They can make use of probiotic additives or be enhanced by worms. Here’s what to consider when shopping, depending on your needs:
✔️ Indoor vs. outdoor: Think about what you’ll be composting most — and where you want to keep the bin. If you’ll be focusing on garden and yard waste, you’ll want to keep your bin outside. But if you’ll be composting mostly food scraps, you can keep a small bin in the kitchen. A smaller bin can help to prevent odors since it will require regular emptying. An indoor countertop or under-sink model is likely best for those who want to store food waste prior to taking it to a compost drop-off. But if you want to empty less frequently — or to mix yard and food waste — consider an outdoor bin.
✔️ Material: Compost bins are generally made of plastic, metal or wood. If you’re going to keep your bin outside, it needs to be weather-resistant. Metal is a good choice, as it will withstand the seasons and combat pests, but it can be heavy. Plastic will be lighter and works both indoors and outdoors, but extreme weather could cause it to crack or warp over time. Wood can blend into outdoor spaces nicely, but it can house pests and rot if not properly cared for.
✔️ Seal: Compost bins with tight-fitting lids will help contain odors, which is essential for indoor bins but is also beneficial with outdoor bins, as it makes it less likely that it will attract animals. A tight seal will also deter any rodents or pests that are curious about the bin even when scent is minimized. But you do want a bin that opens with ease. Tumbling bins in particular need smoothly opening lids so that you don’t merely rotate the bin when you try to lift or slide the lid.
✔️ Filters: Some indoor models rely solely on a sealed lid to prevent odors, but many include a filter. Look for removable filters that can either be washed or replaced. It’s a bonus if your version includes replacement filters with the purchase of the bin.
✔️ Electric: Electric models are the newest kid on the block. They use heat (and possibly the addition of an enzyme tablet) to break down food waste quickly. They also have a mechanism for stirring or grinding the heated waste, which reduces the volume considerably, so you won’t have to empty it as often. You’ll want to consider the footprint of the unit when shopping, as the current models are generally larger than non-electric compost bins. However, they are likely to have a removable inner basket that you can store on the countertop or under your sink while the electric unit lives elsewhere — but you’ll want to make sure the basket has a lid (for example, the Lomi does not, so it’s best stored in the main unit).
✔️ Bags: Many bins are designed to keep compost bags in place, but it’s worth noting that some compostable bags will not break down in a home-composting environment. They require the higher temperatures reached more commonly in large-scale environments or municipal facilities. If you’re composting at home, it’s a good idea to avoid bags. If you want or need to use them, do some research to make sure yours will break down under home-composting conditions.
✔️ Tumbling vs. stationary: Compost bins come in two general styles: tumbling and stationary. Turning and stirring your waste helps it break down more quickly, and tumbling bins make this task a cinch: They feature a side crank or the ability to spin a drum to help you mix your waste. All tumblers are elevated enough to spin, but many are high enough to provide the bonus benefit of being harder for animals to invade. Stationary bins are stand-alone canisters that require mixing by hand. That said, if you are taking your scraps to a drop-off point or a city collection, you won’t need to do as much compost maintenance, making stationary models a good choice.
✔️ Worms: Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is extremely efficient. Worms break down organic material while living in the wild: You’re just bringing the natural instincts of worms into a controlled environment. Worm composting is a great choice for those doing indoor composting because it controls odor well. (It can also be done outdoors if the climate is worm-friendly — about 55˚F to 77˚F for the common red wiggler worm.) One difference between traditional and vermicomposting is that worm composting does not require turning, so it’s a fairly hands-off way to compost. Worms love food scrap, so it’s a good solution for those looking to reduce their kitchen waste. But be sure to look for a worm-specific design (none of those on our list are suitable): You’ll need the right ventilation and room for the worms to migrate within the bin to the food.
