A compost bin in the kitchen is a convenient way to help you transform kitchen waste into feed for your garden. There are quite a few to choose from. Here I compare ceramic, stainless steel, and plastic countertop compost containers to help you choose the right one for your home.
Is metal or plastic better for compost bin? The metal option may rust, but if stainless steel, will probably last you longer than the plastic. The prime advantage of plastic over metal compost bins is the price. But then there’s also the ceramic option.
Pros and cons of different Kitchen compost bins
The following summarizes what I’ve found are the pros and cons of ceramic vs stainless steel vs plastic compost containers for the kitchen.
Ceramic compost bin for kitchen waste
The best kitchen counter compost bin in ceramic is one that’s designed to limit odours and resist staining. And then there’s the price and the appeal that might matter to a lot of folk. Here are four countertop bins to compare each made of different materials.
Ceramic includes porcelain, terracotta, and clay designs.
Ceramic compost bit with charcoal filter
available at Amazon
Ceramic compost bin benefits
- Natural material
- Attractive
- Won’t rust
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to odors
- Fully recyclable ware
Downside of ceramic compost crocks
- Fragile if dropped
- Can chip
- Not as lightweight as others
Stainless steel countertop composters pros and cons
The best countertop composter in this range is one with a charcoal filter to eliminate odors.
Stainless steel with charcoal filter
Stainless Steel Compost Bin 1.3 Gallon-Includes Charcoal Filter
available at Amazon
Benefits of stainless steel composters in the kitchen
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean
- Won’t crack if dropped
Disadvantages of stainless steel compost bins for kitchen
- Clanging noise
- Can rust from the acidic wastes, but this depends on the quality
- Not as resistant to odors
- Not recyclable
Plastic kitchen compost caddies
Cheap countertop compost bin, plastic but BPA free
available at Amazon
Good things about plastic compost caddies in the kitchen
- Less expensive
- Lightweight
Not so good things about plastic kitchen waste bins
- Can crack
- Hard to shift stains
Bamboo
Bamboo is a natural product and recyclable. This one has a modern look and the beauty of it is that it is lightweight and sturdy, it shouldn’t break if dropped.
Bamboo Kitchen Composter with carbon filters
available at Amazon
How to use a kitchen compost bin…
- When you’re preparing meals, put the peelings and other waste from fruit and vegetables straight into the kitchen compost bin.
- You can also add used grinds from your coffee maker and spent tea leaves after brewing tea.
- You can also put bits of paper.
- Some say to put used or expired teabags into the compost, but I find the material of the bags doesn’t break down that well (It might depend on the brand).
- When full (or within a day or two), empty the bin into your garden compost bin or bury the contents in the garden to provide food for the microbes that benefit the soil for plant growth.
