Whether you’re starting your first compost pile or you’ve been recycling food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer for years, the key to success is a good compost bin. While you can build your own bin DIY – or even dig a big hole in the ground – buying a compost bin is the most convenient way to get started. Here are the best compost bins available on the market right now, with links to where you can find them.
Are you interested in composting inside or outside your home? Would you like to try a special method, such as Bokashi composting or vermicomposting (aka composting with worms)? Our list includes bins for all these purposes, separated into groups to help you find what you need.
Top picks
Best outdoor compost bins – Reviews
When you hear the word composting, the image that comes to mind might be a heap of waste outside either in a pile or in a bin. You might even think of bad smells, hungry animal pests, and back-breaking work because you have to turn the pile manually every so often. However, it doesn’t have to be that way with these outdoor compost bins.
1. Good Ideas Compost Wizard Dueling Tumbler
Starting off our list is this tumbling compost bin from Good Ideas. Its dual compartments let you process two batches of compost at a time; while one batch decomposes and matures, you can add new material to the other chamber. Made of recycled plastic, each compartment can hold 25 gallons of composting material for a combined capacity of 50 gallons.
Less hassle. Because it’s a tumbling compost bin, you don’t have to dig through the compost itself to aerate it. You’ll only need to give the compost bin a little spin to mix up the material.
Collects compost tea. Unlike most tumbling composters, this model from Good Ideas also collects compost tea, a natural liquid byproduct of the composting process. When diluted, it can be used as a liquid fertilizer.
Product details
- Max capacity: 50 gal
- Stationary or tumbling? Tumbling
- Number of chambers: 2
- Material: BPA-free recycled plastic
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps absorb and trap heat ✓ Collects compost tea ✓ Dual compartments ✓ Comes fully assembled ✓ Textured insides to help reduce sticking ✓ Has handles to make turning and carrying it easy ✓ Fully covered to keep out pests ✓ Made of recycled plastic | ✗ Small, fine materials like coffee grounds can slip through the ventilation holes ✗ Can be difficult to collect compost tea if it’s not on a raised platform ✗ The base can collect rainwater |
Where to buy
2. FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter
The IM400 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter from FCMP Outdoor is a raised compost bin. The body of this dual chamber composter is made of 100% recycled, BPA-free plastic, while the frame is made of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. Like other dual composters, you can continue dumping compost into the second chamber while one batch “cooks.”
Dual-purpose fins. Inside the composter are deep fins that serve two purposes. The fins break up clumps in your compost while also mixing oxygen into the mixture to help it compost faster. The body of the compost bin itself also has numerous vents that increase ventilation. Unfortunately, this means it also leaks.
Product details
- Max capacity: 37 gal
- Stationary or tumbling? Tumbling
- Number of chambers: 2
- Material: BPA-free recycled polypropylene plastic body, galvanized steel frame
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps absorb and trap heat ✓ Vents and fins help speed up composting ✓ Fins break up compost ✓ Easy to turn ✓ Sturdy ✓ Made with recycled plastic | ✗ Can be tedious to assemble ✗ A little smaller than comparable models ✗ Leaks ✗ Difficult to empty only one side because of the door design |
Where to buy
3. Squeeze Master Large Compost Tumbler
Next is the Squeeze Master Large Compost Tumbler. It’s also a dual-chamber tumbling compost bin; however, it’s shaped like an octagon rather than a cylinder. It’s also raised off of the ground.
Ventilation. This compost bin can handle up to 21.5 gallons of material in each of its compartments for a total capacity of 43 gallons. The body has a couple of vents to allow air to circulate in and out of the bin to help hasten the composting process. Unfortunately, this means it leaks a little.
Comes with a thermometer. This compost bin comes with a detachable thermometer that you can use to monitor the temperature of your compost. As it starts decomposing, your compost will begin heating up. Having the thermometer helps you manage your compost’s temperature much easier. You can learn about managing compost temperature in our guide on how to compost.
Product details
- Max capacity: 43 gal
- Stationary or tumbling? Tumbling
- Number of chambers: 2
- Material: BPA-free modified polypropylene plastic body, steel frame
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps absorb and trap heat ✓ Vents help speed up composting ✓ Easy to turn ✓ Sturdy ✓ Comes with a thermometer | ✗ Assembly can be a bit tedious as the instructions are difficult to follow ✗ Leaks ✗ Rainwater can get in through the panels |
Where to buy
4. VIVOSUN 43-Gallon Dual Batch Tumbling Composter
The VIVOSUN 43-Gallon Dual Batch Tumbling Composter is another octagon-shaped compost bin. Like the FCMP composter, it also has deep fins that break up clumped-up compost.
Aeration system. This compost bin has air vents that help keep air circulating through it, relieving pressure inside the body. Its fins also help aerate your compost. Good aeration helps speed up the composting process.
While they mostly help, the vents also cause leachate (compost tea) to leak out. Prepare a container below the compost bin if you want to catch the tea to use it as a liquid fertilizer.
Product details
- Max capacity: 43 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Tumbler
- Number of chambers: 2
- Material: Food-grade polypropylene plastic body, metal frame
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Comes with a pair of waterproof garden gloves ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps absorb and trap heat ✓ Air vents and fins help speed up composting ✓ Easy to turn ✓ Sturdy | ✗ Assembly instructions are rather unclear ✗ Difficult to assemble alone ✗ Leaks ✗ Flies can get in if you’re not careful |
Where to buy
5. Miracle-Gro Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler
Unlike the other dual tumbling compost bins on this list, the Miracle-Gro Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler’s chambers are completely separate. This can make it easier to tumble as you’re only turning one chamber. It’s also hexagonal, not octagonal.
Aeration and bars. Like other composters on this list, the Miracle-Gro compost bin has holes to allow oxygen in, which is essential for aerobic composting. This, combined with the internal mixing bars in each chamber, helps your compost decompose faster.
Product details
- Max capacity: 37 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Tumbler
- Number of chambers: 2
- Material: BPA-free plastic body, metal frame
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Comes with a pair of waterproof garden gloves ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps absorb and trap heat ✓ Air vents and bars help speed up composting ✓ Easy to turn | ✗ Can be tedious and difficult to assemble ✗ Instructions only available online ✗ A little smaller than comparable products ✗ Leaks |
Where to buy
6. FCMP Outdoor HotFrog Tumbling Composter
Next on our list is another tumbling composter from FCMP Outdoor. Unlike the IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter, however, this one has two separate cylindrical chambers. This can make it easier to turn, as you’re only turning one chamber at a time.
Deep fins and aeration holes. Just like FCMP Outdoor’s other composters, the HotFrog comes with aeration holes and deep fins that allow oxygen in and break up clumps.
Recycled but durable. This composting bin is made with BPA-free recycled polyethylene plastic. Its frame, which holds it up, is made of galvanized steel and is powder-painted for corrosion resistance.
Product details
- Max capacity: 37 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Tumbler
- Number of chambers: 2
- Material: BPA-free recycled polyethylene plastic body, galvanized steel frame
- Price range: Relatively expensive
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps absorb and trap heat ✓ Air vents and deep fins help speed up composting ✓ Easy to turn ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Made with recycled plastic | ✗ A little smaller than comparable products ✗ A little more expensive compared to other bins ✗ Rain can get in, especially when it rains hard ✗ Lids are heavy and can be difficult to open |
Where to buy
7. Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler
Last — but not least — in this section is the Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler. Unlike the other tumbling composters, the cylindrical ComposTumbler is green, helping it blend into your landscape. It’s made from heavy-duty, BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene plastic.
Multiple vents. The ComposTumbler has drainage vents to keep excess moisture from building up and an air vent up top for ventilation. It also has fins inside that help mix up the compost as you turn it.
Easy to move. Unlike most composters in this section, the ComposTumbler is mobile; you can easily wheel it out to your garden and move it around as needed.
Product details
- Max capacity: 37 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Tumbler
- Number of chambers: 1
- Material: BPA-free polyethylene plastic body
- Price range: Expensive
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Can tumble ✓ Color helps it blend into the landscape ✓ Air vents and fins help speed up composting ✓ Easy to turn ✓ Has drainage vents ✓ Mobile | ✗ A little smaller than comparable products ✗ More expensive compared to other bins ✗ Only has one chamber ✗ Can be difficult to assemble |
Where to buy
Best indoor compost bins – Reviews
If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space for a compost bin, you might think that composting is not an option for you. While you probably won’t be able to compost as much waste, you can absolutely compost indoors. Here are some indoor compost bins that can help you kickstart your composting journey.
1. SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter with Bokashi
If you’ve ever wanted to try out Bokashi composting, then the SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter with Bokashi is a good way to start. With a 5-gallon capacity, it’s small enough to fit in your kitchen, garage, or anywhere indoors — perfect for those living in smaller spaces.
Keeps odors at bay. Made of 75% recycled plastics, this compost bin has a tight-sealing lid that prevents unpleasant odors from seeping out. The Bokashi also helps to minimize odors; just make sure to use more Bokashi when composting meats, dairy, coffee grounds, and bones.
Collects Bokashi tea. One of the main draws of Bokashi composting is the tea. This compost tea is a great fertilizer once diluted. You can collect the Bokashi tea with the composter’s built-in spigot.
Product details
- Max capacity: 5 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Stationary
- Number of chambers: 1
- Material: Blend of BPA-free plastic, recycled plastic (including PCW), and plastics blended with agricultural crop waste
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Has a tight-sealing lid that keeps odors from escaping ✓ Comes with Bokashi compost starter ✓ Small enough to be a kitchen compost bin ✓ Collects compost tea/Bokashi tea ✓ Can be used to compost small bones, dairy, and meat ✓ Made with 75% recycled plastic | ✗ Can’t handle more than food waste as it’s too small ✗ Will smell if you open it ✗ Spigot can fail ✗ Lid can be a bit difficult to open ✗ You’ll constantly need Bokashi for it to work ✗ Results won’t be a finished compost but a pre-compost (this is true with any Bokashi compost) |
Where to buy
2. Lomi Compost Bin
The Lomi Compost Bin is quite unlike any of the other entries on this list. Powered by electricity, it’s the first smart waste composter on the market. It can break down food waste, yard waste, and some packaging in as little as 24 hours.
Made for indoor use. The Lomi Compost Bin comes with filters that keep bad smells away. It also processes your kitchen scraps fast enough to prevent them from forming. Aside from that, its sleek design and size make it a perfectly fine countertop compost bin.
Product details
- Max capacity: 1 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Stationary
- Number of chambers: 1
- Material: Polyurethane
- Electric consumption: 70kWh per 100 cycles
- Price range: Expensive
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Sleek design ✓ Composts material quite fast ✓ Has filters to eliminate odors ✓ Small enough for the kitchen ✓ Easy to use ✓ Easy to set up | ✗ Quite expensive ✗ Small capacity, which might be a problem if you produce a lot of food waste ✗ Will constantly need new filters and pods ✗ Needs electricity ✗ Can be a little loud |
Where to buy
Best vermicomposting bins – Reviews
Do you mind sharing your space with some wriggly decomposers? Vermicomposting bins harness the power of worms to compost food waste. These compost bins can be used indoors or outdoors as long as the conditions are comfortable for the worms.
1. VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin
The VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin is an improved design of the original VermiHut. Coming in three shades of green, it’s expandable, has new components, and comes with a starter kit. It also collects worm tea (aka worm leachate).
New parts. The M-board and V-board are components unique to this model of the VermiHut. The former increases airflow and prevents worms from falling into the worm tea, while the latter controls moisture and eliminates odors. It also comes with ant trappers, which prevent ants from getting into the VermiHut worm bin.
Product details
- Initial capacity: 10 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Stationary
- Number of chambers: 5, expandable
- Material: Recycled plastic
- Price range: Relatively expensive
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Expandable ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Sturdy ✓ Made of recycled plastic ✓ Has a filter to reduce odors ✓ Collects worm tea ✓ Comes with a starter kit of tools and a user’s manual ✓ Comes with a pest deterrent | ✗ Doesn’t have bin supports, so the bins can collapse into each other if you’re not careful ✗ Worms can escape through gaps when stacked improperly |
Where to buy
2. FCMP Outdoor Essential Living Composter
Initially, the FCMP Outdoor Essential Living Composter has two trays with a combined capacity of 6 gallons; it’s expandable, however. What it lacks in base capacity, it makes up for in style. Made with recycled plastic, it comes in black, grey, green, and plum.
Keeps worms happy. This composter comes with moisture control channels, migration tunnels, and aeration holes on each tray. They keep worms moist, allow them to move between trays easily, and maintain good airflow.
Collects worm tea. The base of the compost bin is a reservoir that collects the leachate. You can harvest it to use as a liquid fertilizer after diluting it with water.
Product details
- Initial capacity: 6 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Stationary
- Number of chambers: 2, expandable
- Material: BPA-free recycled polypropylene plastic
- Price range: Moderate
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Expandable ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Sturdy ✓ Made of recycled plastic ✓ Small enough to fit indoors ✓ Collects worm tea ✓ Comes with a starter kit ✓ Looks more appealing than other vermicomposters | ✗ Small size means you might need to expand if you produce a lot of kitchen waste ✗ Worms can fall into the worm tea collection tray ✗ Included instructions for vermicomposting are rather vague |
Where to buy
3. Worm Factory 360 Worm Composting Bin
Like the other vermicomposters on this list, the Worm Factory 360 Worm Composting Bin also comes with a starter pack to get your worm composting journey started. This starter kit comes with bedding materials, tools, mineral rock dust, an instruction manual, and a tutorial DVD.
Comes with a spigot. Collecting leachate from this worm composting bin is easy with the spigot it comes with. When diluted, this worm tea will give your plants a nutrient boost.
Expandable. This composter comes with four trays out of the box, but it can be expanded up to seven trays. Additional trays can be bought separately.
Product details
- Initial capacity: 11.22 gal
- Stationary or tumbler? Stationary
- Number of chambers: 4, expandable to 7
- Material: Recycled plastic
- Price range: Relatively expensive
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Expandable ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Sturdy ✓ Made of recycled plastic ✓ Small enough to fit inside ✓ Collects worm tea ✓ Comes with a starter kit | ✗ No filter, so you’ll have to bury your waste to avoid attracting fruit flies ✗ Worms can escape through ventilation holes ✗ Was missing parts when it came in (may not always happen, but a risk to keep in mind) |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide to compost bins
Whether you’re a novice to composting or you’ve got years of experience under your belt, picking a compost bin that works best for you can be a little tricky. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a compost bin for your home.
Size and capacity
Do you have a lot of space in your backyard? Do you live in an apartment complex? There are compost bins suitable for every condition.
Do consider if your compost bins have room to expand. Some open or lidless compost bins — those that allow for compost piles — can be expanded. If you can only compost indoors, then consider an expandable worm composting bin if you want some wiggle room to grow.
Material
Compost bins can come in many materials. Although almost every bin on this list is made primarily of plastic, compost bins can be made with wood or metal. The material can have an impact on temperature regulation, smells, and other factors.
If you’re more environmentally conscious — which might be why you’re getting into composting in the first place — then you should look out for bins made with recycled materials. For example, some plastic composters are made with post-consumer waste plastics.
Stationary vs. tumbling
Tumbling compost bins can reduce the amount of effort you need to exert when maintaining your compost. Instead of having to turn your compost with a pitchfork or some other garden tool, you can turn the whole composter itself with a tumbling composter.
Some composting methods don’t really need to be disturbed like this; in fact, it might be bad if you’re vermicomposting, so most (if not all) vermicomposting bins are stationary. If you don’t mind the extra work, you might be able to save some money by going with a stationary compost bin.
Compost method
Traditional composting is not the only composting method out there. If you want to delve into other methods, then you’ll need a bin that can accommodate them. Some of these other methods are Bokashi composting and vermicomposting. Our list includes bins made for both of these methods.
Compost tea
When compost breaks down, it can produce leachate, a liquid byproduct that’s chock full of nutrients. When diluted with water, it can be used as a liquid fertilizer for your plants. The diluted mixture goes by many names depending on the composting method: compost tea, Bokashi tea, and even worm tea.
Some compost bins collect this compost tea for easy harvesting. If that matters to you, then you should look for a composter with this feature.
Filter or seal
Composting — especially when not done or managed properly — can be smelly. Some compost bins come with filters or tight seals to eliminate bad odors. Eliminating smells can also prevent pests from getting into your compost.
FAQ about the best compost bins
What is compost?
Simply put, compost is the outcome of organic matter breaking down into nutritious fertilizer. Composting itself is the process of helping our waste products (kitchen waste, garden waste, paper waste, etc.) turn into compost, which can be used as fertilizer for potted plants, vegetable gardens, lawns, and more.
What things can you put in a compost bin?
Typically, you can add fruit and vegetable waste, grains, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, grass clippings, cardboard, newspaper, and other paper products to a compost bin. Meat, bones, and dairy aren’t recommended additions. However, it really depends on the type of composting you’re doing.
Bokashi composting can compost meat, bones, and dairy, provided they’re chopped up into small pieces. With vermicomposting, you can’t add these foods, and you should also avoid highly acidic foods such as citrus peels, garlic, and onions.
Is a compost bin best in sun or shade?
It’s good to have some sun shining on your compost bins to heat them up (if you’re using the method known as “hot composting”). Composting needs some heat, but it shouldn’t be blistering hot, either, as too much heat can kill off the bacteria that break down the waste. Try finding an area where your compost bin can receive partial sun.
Should compost be kept wet or dry?
You want your compost to be moist but not wet. The microorganisms and macroorganisms that break down waste prefer moist conditions.
How often should you turn your compost bin?
You should turn your compost bin at least twice a week for the most optimal results.
Can you build your own compost bin DIY?
Yes, you can build indoor, outdoor, and vermicomposting bins from things like trash cans, buckets, and wood pallets. See our guide on how to build a DIY compost bin for 13 different kinds of compost bins any homeowner can put together in just a couple of hours.
Do you need more free time to tend to your compost?
Composting can be a rewarding hobby that helps you save the Earth and nourish your garden. However, maintaining it can take up time that you would have spent tending to your lawn. If that sounds like you, then consider hiring a Lawn Love pro to take care of your lawn for you so you can focus on the more fun parts of landscaping, like tending to your compost and your garden.
Main Photo Credit: hopsalka | Canva Pro | License
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