Collecting kitchen scraps to add to the compost bin? Here are some good-looking containers to help you out. The one above is the Ecology brand; you can find it at Alfresco Emporium and Quintessence in Australia, and Divertimenti in the U.K. Update on July 10, 2014: I'm no longer finding this product anywhere.
Garden Trading has a compost bucket, available in four different colors. Alas for those of us in the U.S. — this one also comes from the U.K.
Simplehuman has an "odor-absorbing" stainless steel compost pail. [via Ask MetaFilter] For a simpler stainless steel bucket, take a look at Lee Valley Tools. Update on July 10, 2104: Simplehuman is no longer making this product.
Williams-Sonoma has a stoneware compost pot with a plastic liner pail. Update on July 10, 2014: Williams Sonoma no longer has this compost pot.
I've always liked Beth Mueller's work, with her whimsical drawings; I own a bowl and a coffee mug that she made many years ago. So I was delighted to see she makes some countertop compost containers, sold by Uncommon Goods. There are two designs: "grow" and "simplify." Update on July 10, 2014: This product is no longer available at Uncommon Goods.
If you don't want your compost container sitting out — no matter how good it looks — I've got some ideas for you, too. Take a look at the Fuccillo freezer compost bin — which you can buy directly from Fuccillo, or from online stores such as Generate. Update on July 10, 2014: I'm no longer finding any place that's selling these.
And for a very different approach, there's the NatureMill automatic compost bin, which allows you to do your actual composting indoors: in a kitchen cabinet, the laundry room, the garage, etc. [via Springwise]
Related Post:
Compost Crocks for Your Countertop
These countertop containers are functional and attractive, especially that little beauty from Williams Sonoma. I don't have anything that fancy, though; I use a bowl that sits on the counter and I dump it every day so it doesn't smell or attract insects. It can go right in the dishwasher, too.
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by that indoor compost bin, although I can't reconcile how it accepts fish, meat and dairy, which generally are not recommended items for compost. I would definitely consider this one if I didn't have a backyard.
Thanks for finding the unusual choices, as always!
For years I just used an empty milk carton, or sometimes an empty yogurt container. Eventually I bought myself a stainless steel bin, which is more attractive, not doubt about it. I give what I can to the chickens, too. And then alternate between the worm bin and the outdoor compost barrels when I empty the kitchen bin.
ReplyDeleteMarcie, I think the main reason for not composting fish/meat/dairy is that it attracts rodents and gets smelly. If the indoor composter can handle those items, great! That much less unnecessary addition to the landfill.
Marcie, I got an e-mail from someone who's now seriously considering that indoor composter, because it would make composting so easy.
ReplyDeleteShe has a back yard, but the outdoor type is just a bit too much bother; she knows she just won't keep up with it.
And we all know that tools that are easy and fun to use get used more than those that aren't!