6 Best Compost Containers for Small Spaces That Banish Odors Forever

Living in a small apartment or home shouldn’t stop you from composting your kitchen scraps. With the right compact container, you can reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your plants without sacrificing precious space or dealing with unpleasant odors.

We’ve researched and tested dozens of options to bring you the six best compost containers specifically designed for tight spaces. These selections balance functionality, aesthetics, and odor control while fitting neatly under your sink, on your countertop, or in other small nooks.

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6 Best Compost Containers for Small Spaces: A Complete Guide

1. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin

The OXO Good Grips compost bin offers a perfect blend of functionality and style for tiny kitchens. At just 7.6 inches in height and 7.3 inches in diameter, this compact container fits easily on countertops or under sinks without consuming valuable space. Its smooth interior walls prevent food scraps from sticking, while the flip-top lid opens with one hand and closes securely to lock in odors. The bin’s removable lid makes emptying a breeze, and the sleek stainless steel finish complements modern kitchen aesthetics.

2. Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin

Epica’s stainless steel compost bin provides an excellent solution for apartment dwellers concerned about smells. This 1.3-gallon container features a double-filtered lid with replaceable charcoal filters that effectively trap odors while allowing proper airflow. Its brushed stainless steel construction resists rust and fingerprints, making it both durable and attractive. Measuring just 7.5 inches in diameter and 11 inches tall, it stores easily beside your sink or tucked into a cabinet corner.

3. Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Compost Bin

The Joseph Joseph compost bin revolutionizes small-space composting with its innovative ventilated design. This stylish container features an adjustable air vent that reduces moisture buildup and minimizes odors without requiring filters. Its unique odor-reducing lid uses a ventilation system that promotes airflow while containing smells. At only 6.7 inches wide and 9 inches tall, this bin holds a surprising amount of scraps while maintaining a minimal footprint in limited spaces.

4. Bamboozle Food Compost Bin

Bamboozle’s eco-friendly compost bin combines sustainability with space-saving design. Made from biodegradable bamboo fiber, this 1.5-gallon container offers an environmentally conscious alternative to plastic or metal bins. Its compact dimensions (8.5 × 6.5 × 9 inches) fit neatly on countertops, while the carbon filter-equipped lid effectively manages odors. Available in several muted colors, this stylish bin doubles as a decorative accent for small kitchens with limited counter space.

5. Full Circle Breeze Odor-Free Compost Collector

The Full Circle Breeze collector tackles the biggest challenge of small-space composting: smell containment. This innovative bin utilizes a unique airflow system with a push-button trap door that minimizes odors while preventing fruit flies. Its slim profile (8.5 × 6.5 × 9.75 inches) slides easily alongside cabinets or refrigerators in tight kitchens. The bin’s dishwasher-safe design features a removable lid and integrated handle, making food scrap disposal quick and mess-free.

6. Chef’n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin

The Chef’n EcoCrock combines functionality with charming aesthetics for style-conscious apartment dwellers. This 3.3-liter bin features a decorative ceramic exterior with a removable plastic inner bucket for easy cleaning. Measuring just 7.5 inches in diameter and 8.4 inches tall, it offers generous capacity without dominating limited counter space. The vented lid houses two replaceable carbon filters that effectively neutralize odors, while the unique sprout-shaped handle adds a delightful design element to small kitchen spaces.

Understanding Small Space Composting: Benefits and Challenges

Why Composting in Small Spaces Makes Sense

Composting in small spaces directly reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, with average households able to divert up to 30% of their waste stream. The compact compost bins designed for apartments or tiny homes fit perfectly on countertops or under sinks without disrupting your living space. You’ll also create nutrient-rich soil that can nourish indoor plants or container gardens, completing a sustainable mini-ecosystem right in your urban dwelling.

Key Features to Look for in Space-Efficient Compost Bins

When selecting a small-space compost bin, prioritize durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality plastic that resist bacteria and pests. Look for effective odor control systems featuring charcoal filters or perforated lids to keep your space fresh. Size matters—bins with capacities between 84-224 ounces typically suffice for small households. Choose containers with user-friendly features like hinged lids and removable, dishwasher-safe components for easy maintenance.

Tumbling Compost Bins: Compact and Efficient Solutions

Top Tumbling Models for Apartment Dwellers

Tumbling composters offer apartment dwellers an efficient way to compost in limited spaces. The Black+Decker 40-Gallon Dual-Chamber model stands out with its separate compartments for fresh and decomposing materials, maximizing efficiency in a compact footprint. For extremely tight spaces, the Miracle-Grow 18.5-Gallon tumbler provides easy operation while requiring minimal space. The Mr.Spin® Compost Tumbler features an easy-turn design that’s perfect for balconies or small patios, allowing you to create nutrient-rich compost without a yard.

Maintenance Tips for Tumbling Composters

To maintain your tumbling composter effectively, turn it 2-3 times weekly to ensure proper aeration and faster decomposition. Balance your compost by maintaining a 3:1 ratio of brown materials (dried leaves, cardboard) to green materials (food scraps, grass clippings). Monitor moisture levels—your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge, neither soggy nor dry. For odor control, add a layer of dry browns after each addition of kitchen scraps and ensure adequate airflow by not overfilling your tumbler.

Kitchen Countertop Composters: Stylish Indoor Options

Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin

The Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin stands out as a premium option for small-space composting with its 1.3-gallon capacity. This sleek container features a charcoal filter system that effectively traps odors while allowing airflow through its perforated lid design. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it resists fingerprints and discoloration even after years of use. The smooth interior walls prevent food scraps from sticking, making cleanup quick and simple with just a rinse under the faucet.

SimpleHuman Compost Caddy

SimpleHuman’s Compost Caddy offers a space-efficient solution that fits perfectly in tight kitchen corners. The magnetic lid features a unique hinged design that opens with one hand and stays open when needed for convenient food scrap disposal. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited counter space, while still providing adequate capacity for daily kitchen waste. The sleek, modern aesthetic complements contemporary kitchen designs without sacrificing functionality.

Norpro Stainless Steel Compost Keeper

The Norpro Stainless Steel Compost Keeper combines durability with effective odor management in a straightforward design. Similar to the Epica model, this bin utilizes a charcoal filter embedded in its stainless steel perforated lid to neutralize potential smells. Its cylindrical shape maximizes capacity while maintaining a small footprint, making it perfect for cramped kitchens. The polished finish gives it a professional appearance that blends with most kitchen décor styles while being surprisingly affordable.

Odor-Free Designs for Everyday Use

Charcoal-filtered bins like the Epica and Norpro models effectively neutralize odors through replaceable filters that should be changed every 3-6 months. Perforated lids create crucial oxygen exchange that prevents anaerobic conditions that cause strong smells. The most effective designs combine these filters with airtight seals around the rim to contain odors when closed, while still allowing proper ventilation during composting activity.

Best Materials for Indoor Composters

Stainless steel dominates indoor composting because it’s non-porous, preventing bacteria absorption that causes lingering odors. Its durability ensures years of use without warping or cracking, while being dishwasher-safe for thorough sanitizing. While some recycled plastic options exist, they often can’t match steel’s longevity and cleanability for indoor use. Look for units with smooth interior walls to prevent food particles from sticking and creating cleaning challenges.

Bokashi Composting Systems: Fermentation for Limited Spaces

How Bokashi Systems Work in Small Environments

Bokashi composting uses fermentation rather than traditional decomposition, making it ideal for small spaces. The process involves adding microorganisms to food waste in a sealed container, which breaks down materials anaerobically. Unlike conventional composting, Bokashi systems can process meat, dairy, and cooked foods without odors. The fermentation produces a nutrient-rich “tea” that can be drained and used as liquid fertilizer, while the pre-composted material matures much faster when added to soil.

Top Bokashi Products Worth Considering

1. SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter – This dual-bucket system comes with a spigot for easy liquid fertilizer collection and includes a starter pack of Bokashi bran. Its compact design (12″ x 12″) fits easily under most kitchen sinks.
2. Maze Indoor Bokashi Composting Kit – Features an airtight lid with a carbon filter and a unique rectangular design that optimizes corner space. The built-in strainer prevents clogging when draining liquid fertilizer.
3. Bokashi Living Starter Kit – This complete system includes two bins for continuous composting, allowing you to fill one while the other ferments. Its sleek, minimalist design makes it suitable for apartment kitchens and small spaces.

Vertical Worm Bins: The Power of Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting offers an ingenious solution for small-space dwellers looking to compost organically without sacrificing precious room. These systems harness the digestive power of worms to transform kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich castings.

Space-Saving Worm Bin Designs

Uncle Jim’s Double Tray Worm Composter stands out as an exceptional vertical solution, stacking multiple trays in a compact footprint of just 16 x 16 inches. Its stackable design allows you to add new trays as your composting needs grow while maintaining a minimal floor space requirement. The vertical configuration efficiently utilizes height rather than width, making it perfect for balconies, utility closets, or kitchen corners.

Beginner-Friendly Worm Composting Options

The Worm Factory 360 offers an ideal entry point for vermicomposting novices with its user-friendly design and comprehensive instruction manual. Its modular system allows for easy food addition and compost harvesting without disturbing your worm colony. The included moisture control spigot helps prevent common beginner mistakes by allowing you to monitor and adjust moisture levels, while the collection tray captures valuable “worm tea” that serves as a potent liquid fertilizer for houseplants.

Wall-Mounted Compost Solutions: Innovative Space Savers

When floor space is at a premium, looking up is your best strategy for composting. Wall-mounted and vertical composting solutions offer clever ways to manage kitchen scraps without sacrificing valuable square footage.

Installation Tips for Vertical Composting

When mounting a compost bin, select sturdy walls or cabinets that can support the weight of filled containers. Position your bin at a comfortable height for daily access—typically between counter and eye level. Use appropriate mounting hardware specifically rated for the bin’s maximum weight plus contents. Ensure at least 2-3 inches of clearance around the bin for proper ventilation and easy lid operation.

Decorative Options That Won’t Compromise Your Décor

Simple Human’s stainless steel compost caddy offers a sleek, minimalist design that complements modern kitchens while discreetly mounting to cabinet doors. The Typhoon Compost Caddy features matte finishes in stylish navy, cream, and grey options that blend with various décor styles. For a more natural look, consider bamboo or ceramic wall-mounted bins with removable inner buckets and charcoal filters that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.

How to Choose the Right Small-Space Composter for Your Lifestyle

Limited space doesn’t mean limited composting options. Whether you prefer a countertop bin a wall-mounted system or a compact tumbler there’s a perfect solution for your small living area.

Consider your lifestyle when selecting your ideal composter. If you’re always on the go a low-maintenance Bokashi system might be best. For plant enthusiasts a worm bin provides premium fertilizer. Those prioritizing aesthetics will love decorative options that enhance rather than detract from your space.

Remember that successful composting in small spaces requires the right container and consistent maintenance. With any of these six space-efficient options you’ll reduce your environmental footprint produce rich soil for your plants and discover that composting can fit beautifully into any living situation no matter how small.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I compost in a small apartment?

Yes, you can compost in a small apartment using compact containers designed for limited spaces. Options include countertop bins like the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, Bokashi systems for fermentation-based composting, vertical worm bins for vermicomposting, or wall-mounted solutions. These specialized containers help manage odors and take up minimal space while allowing you to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for houseplants.

Do indoor compost bins smell?

Quality indoor compost bins should not smell when properly maintained. Many models like the Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin feature carbon filters or double-filtered lids specifically designed to trap odors. Others like the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste bin use ventilated designs to reduce moisture and prevent smells. Regular emptying and cleaning will also help maintain an odor-free environment in your small space.

What can I put in my kitchen compost bin?

You can put fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, and plant trimmings in standard kitchen compost bins. For Bokashi systems, you can also include meat, dairy, and cooked foods that aren’t recommended for traditional composting. Avoid putting oils, fats, pet waste, diseased plants, or large amounts of citrus in regular compost bins as these can create odors or attract pests.

How often should I empty my indoor compost bin?

Most indoor compost bins should be emptied every 3-5 days, depending on how much food waste you generate and the bin’s capacity. Smaller containers like countertop models typically need more frequent emptying. Bins with odor control features like the Full Circle Breeze can sometimes go longer between emptyings. Regular emptying prevents odors and fruit flies while maintaining a clean composting environment.

What’s the difference between regular composting and Bokashi?

Regular composting uses aerobic decomposition (requires oxygen) and works best with plant-based materials. Bokashi uses anaerobic fermentation with special microorganisms that can break down all food waste including meat and dairy. Bokashi is faster (2-4 weeks vs. months), produces a fermented pre-compost that needs burial to complete decomposition, creates liquid fertilizer “tea,” and works well in airtight containers ideal for small spaces.

Are worm bins suitable for beginners?

Yes, worm bins like the Worm Factory 360 are suitable for beginners as they come with detailed instructions and are designed to be user-friendly. They require minimal maintenance—just feeding your worms kitchen scraps and occasional moisture monitoring. Vertical worm bins are particularly good for small-space dwellers new to composting as they’re compact, nearly odorless when properly maintained, and produce both vermicompost and liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

How do wall-mounted compost bins work?

Wall-mounted compost bins attach to vertical surfaces, saving valuable floor space in small apartments. They typically feature secure lids to prevent odors and can be installed at a convenient height for easy access. These bins function like regular countertop composters but utilize unused wall space. Some models include removable inner buckets for easy emptying and cleaning, while others have decorative designs that blend with your décor.

Can I use compost from indoor bins for my houseplants?

Yes, compost from indoor bins is excellent for houseplants once it’s fully processed. For countertop collectors, you’ll need to transfer contents to a secondary composting system to complete decomposition. Bokashi pre-compost can be buried in houseplant soil (in small amounts) after fermentation. Vermicompost from worm bins can be used directly as a nutrient-rich soil amendment, while “worm tea” makes an excellent liquid fertilizer for all indoor plants.