17 Best Food Waste Bins (Free of Odors and Pests)

Let’s tackle food waste and protect our environment—one bin for food waste at a time. Whether you’re new to composting or have been recycling your organic waste for decades, a countertop container can make it easier to hold and sort compostable materials. This blog will be your guide to the top kitchen food waste bin options. Use the sections below to navigate through the blog.

Using kitchen scrap containers for your organic waste can help to streamline your compost efforts. They’ll hold your food scraps and other organic materials until collection day, or when they’re ready to go into the outdoor compost bin. These bins provide an easy, stink-free, and far more sustainable alternative to sending organic waste to landfill. 

Our top picks for kitchen waste bins

Does food waste go in the green bin? While, in most cases, it can go directly into the bin used for your city composting program, who wants to make multiple trips out there every day? This is where these food waste collectors come in handy.

We’ll cut to the chase and let you know that electric composters are the easiest solution for recycling organic waste. But if you’re looking for something a little more old-fashioned, here are our top picks for those, too.

1. Best electric kitchen composter: Lomi Smart Composter
2. Best odor-free food waste bin: ENLOY 1.3-Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Bin
3. Best food waste bin under $20: Vremi Kitchen Compost Bin
4. Best container to collect organic waste: BioBag Food Scrap Bucket
5. Most aesthetically-pleasing waste bin: Wooden Kitchen Compost Bin

 

 

17 best bins for food waste

While a banana peel or apple core may not seem like that big of a deal, they have a serious environmental impact. Roughly one-third of household trash is composed of food waste. When it ends up in landfills, this organic material releases methane (a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide). This is why recycling organic waste, through the process of kitchen scrap composting, is so important. Here are the best tools to help you do exactly that. 

1. Chef’n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin

Combining lidded venting, a removable inner bucket, a charcoal filter, and ceramic vessel, this is a way to store organic waste in an odor free way. Tips for even more odor prevention include placing newspaper at the bottom. The ceramic outer portion can be washed by hand and the inner bucket is top-rack dishwasher safe.

What we like	What we don’t like
Can be used with or without bags Safe for kids Good customer service Long-lasting	Smaller capacity  Takes up more space

 

2. Lomi Smart Composter

The Lomi indoor electric composter is the only food waste container on this list that actually transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich dirt. At the touch of a button, it can break down food (including meat and dairy), paper towels, yard trimmings, leaves, and even Lomi-approved bioplastics into natural fertilizer that can be used to support indoor and outdoor plants.

At the time of writing this article, more than 100,000 global residents have turned to the Lomi for unparalleled customer service and help with recycling organic waste.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to use Odor-free & pest-free Studies conducted to prove its efficiency	Sells out quickly Higher upfront cost Requires minimal electricity

 

 

3. ENLOY 1.3-Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Bin

Designed to control odors with an activated charcoal filter, this countertop food waste bin is a stink-free way to store food scraps—even leftovers. It’s made of high-grade, rust-resistant 430 stainless steel, which will not release dangerous chemicals into the compost. The tight lid will also keep pests at bay until your community compost program collection day or you can make it out to your compost bin.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to remove waste Lightweight Easy to use Pest-free	Not recommended for dishwasher Not suitable for animal-based products Must replace charcoal filters

 

4. Wooden Kitchen Compost Bin

More like home decor than a container to store kitchen waste items, this bin is good for those who request a bit of elegance from their composting tools. The outer bin is made out of cherry or walnut hardwood, sourced from a historic lumber mill in Michigan. The removable, lidded stainless steel insert deters pests and locks in odors.

This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing ways to store collected food scraps until it can be composted. As an added bonus, 5% of the profits are donated to reforestation and watershed protection efforts.

What we like	What we don’t like
Stores days’ worth of food waste Removable insert can be cleaned in dishwasher Large capacity	Price Heavy Hard to clean wood

 

 

5. SimpleHuman Compost Caddy 

This stylish compost caddy can be hung on the side of a trash can, then easily detached during cooking and cleaning. It has a lid that allows for airflow to reduce smells and keep fruit flies away. The inner bucket is removable for easy emptying and cleaning and the outer coating is infused with Agion, an EPA-registered antimicrobial agent. This will prevent the growth of mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria.

What we like	What we don’t like
Fingerprint-proof coating Odor-free pest-free	Code Z custom fit compostable liners required Lacks tight seal Difficult to fill

 

6. Gardenatomy Kitchen Compost Pail Bin

The inside of this container is made with rugged, leak proof stainless steel—that will never leach harmful chemicals into your compost. The outer copper looks great in any house and enhances the look of any kitchen countertop. It’s lidded with an airtight seal and comes with charcoal filters to keep bugs away and stop odors.

What we like	What we don’t like
Includes 1-year supply of bags and filters Lifetime guarantee Odor free	Bags are prone to ripping Copper coating may chip

 

7. iTouchless Stainless Steel Compost Bin 

This food waste vessel works with AbsorbX filters to keep your kitchen smelling clean and fresh. The first one is included for free. With a tight seal, iTouchless will keep bugs and fruit flies away. It features an inner plastic lining that is BPA free and food safe. Designed to be space-saving, it comes in a sophisticated oval shape.

What we like	What we don’t like
Manufacturer’s warranty Fingerprint-proof and easy to clean Fits easily on sink	Subsequent AbosrbX filters are expensive Green handle may not look good with home decor

 

8. LALASTAR Food Waste Basket

This small organic waste container is a great way to collect a day or two’s worth of food scraps (not ideal for a week of waste or large families). It’s small enough to be placed on the sink and comes lidded to keep odors away.

What we like	What we don’t like
Available in multiple colors Budget-friendly  Hangable and mountable	Minimal capacity Made of plastic Not specifically designed for recycling organic waste

 

9. NEW OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin

Bigger than many other food waste storing containers, this is one of the best kitchen scrap containers for larger households. It features a unique design that makes it easy to tuck away food waste bags. At the same time, it has a stay-open lid that helps you easily toss in scraps. It can also be removed for convenient emptying.

With additional benefits for our planet, OXO is also a contributing member of 1% For the Planet.

What we like	What we don’t like
Smooth interior is easy to clean Pest reducing Odor containing  Available in smaller sizes	Made with plastic Charcoal color may not work with all decor Requires bag No charcoal filter

 

 

10. AIRNEX Collapsible Countertop Compost Bin

This collapsible vessel can help you keep food waste out of landfills so that it can be composted instead. If you won’t have anything to toss in for a while, just fold it down and store it away. It has vent holes to work with the filter to deter unpleasant odors. Everything can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

What we like	What we don’t like
Includes compostable bags and filters Freezer friendly  Portable and space saving	Charcoal filters only last 2 months Smaller capacity

 

11. Full Circle Scrap Happy Food Scrap Collector

Suitable for storage in the freezer, this container provides a perfect way to collect scraps and store them in a stink-free way until your city compost collection day. It’s designed to fit well with a cutting board, making it easy to divert food waste from the landfill. It can be used with or without bags.

What we like	What we don’t like
Available in black or green Dishwasher safe Fits well in freezer	Limited capacity Un-lidded

 

12. SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter

Making use of beneficial microbes, this indoor composter comes with Bokashi bran to quickly ferment food waste. It turns it into a compost tea that can be spread in the garden. The fermented food scraps can be added to a backyard compost heap or a curb-side composting program can collect it.

What we like	What we don’t like
Large capacity Low-odor Begins decomposition process	Must wait 2 weeks after bucket is full Needs outdoor space to dump diluted compost tea

 

13. Exfoil Kitchen Compost Bin

Pairing a rust-proof 201 stainless steel bin with a bamboo box, this is one good-looking way to sort food waste and keep it out of the trash. And a lot of it. The container can hold an average amount of organic waste produced during a week. Fully sealed, it will keep odors away. You can choose to line it with a bag, or use without.

What we like	What we don’t like
Large capacity Stainless steel is dishwasher safe Keeps flies away	Frame can be wobbly when moving Lid doesn’t fit flat No bottom to the frame

 

14. Norpro Grip EZ Stainless Steel Compost Keeper

Equipped with an easy-carry handle and charcoal filter, this stainless steel container is a good choice for keeping bugs and odors away. It provides a good space to store coffee grounds, egg shells, kitchen scraps, and yard trimmings until they’re collected through a curb-side composting program or deposited in an outdoor compost bin.

What we like	What we don’t like
Charcoal filter lasts up to 6 months Easy to clean  Durable construction	May be prone to rusting  Tricky to use Small storage capacity

 

15. BioBag Kitchen Counter Food Scrap Bin and Compostable Bag Kit

Ready to handle larger amounts of organic waste, this food scrap container is perfect for business use, whether for customers or employees. The breathable system allows organic materials to dry out, therefore reducing mess and odors. It’s ventilated on the sides and top and includes food waste bags.

What we like	What we don’t like
Dishwasher safe Easy to clean and carry Suitable for household and business composting	Must purchase replacement bags Bag may slide down bin

 

16. Bamboozle Food Composter Bin

Looking great atop any countertop, this bamboo vessel helps you store your organic waste in style. Not only does the bamboo look great, but it’s also durable and biodegradable. It also comes with a charcoal filter that helps to reduce odors and keep pests away.

What we like	What we don’t like
Dishwasher safe  Available in a variety of 5 colors Made of eco-friendly materials	Filters should be replaced every 2 months Known to break

 

17. Vremi Kitchen Compost Bin

Perfect to go on top of the counter or under the sink, this small-but-mighty container can be used to collect and store organic waste. As it does, the organic activated charcoal filter will trap odors. Even better, the filter can be cleaned with soap to use for up to 6 months!

What we like	What we don’t like
Charcoal filter lasts 6 months Safe to wash in the dishwasher Budget-friendly	Contains lead May attract bugs Could rust

 

Tips for stink-free organic waste storage

Because there is such a large range of items that can go into Lomi, it’s one of the best solutions for reducing stinky garbage and all of the greenhouse gas emissions that come with it. Regardless of which of these food waste containers you decide to bring into your kitchen, we’ve got a few tips to help you reduce odors. First, consider lining your container with a paper bag or paper towels to reduce moisture and smells. Of course, putting the bin outside or emptying it more frequently helps, too.

We all know that food waste going to landfills is a terrible thing for our planet. Far worse than just an eyesore, the millions of tons of food that end up in municipal trash release methane, take up space, waste resources, harm wildlife, and—quite frankly—stink.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’ve been asking, “can you put food waste in the green bin,” the planet is thanking you. We need more people to divert food and organic waste from landfill. Lomi believes that together, we can make a really positive change (and reduce unwanted odors in our homes).

Written by: Heather Seely