Where to Hide the Kitchen Compost Bin
Enriching your soil doesn’t have to mean staring at a countertop pile of decomposing food scraps
Barbra Bright
April 21, 2017
Houzz Contributor. San Francisco-based designer.
http://www.barbrabrightdesign.com/
Houzz Contributor. San Francisco-based designer.
... More
These days my most requested cabinet accessory is a compost receptacle. With recycling and garbage bins, it makes a trio that is the cornerstone of waste management for the kitchen.
I’m not sure why all my clients seem to have acquired a newfound love of gardening along with a desire to amend their soil with the nutrient-rich scraps from their kitchen — but I do know how to help them out. Whatever your reason for wanting to compost, here are some clever places to hide that pile of decomposing food.
I’m not sure why all my clients seem to have acquired a newfound love of gardening along with a desire to amend their soil with the nutrient-rich scraps from their kitchen — but I do know how to help them out. Whatever your reason for wanting to compost, here are some clever places to hide that pile of decomposing food.
1. Pullout cabinet. Gone are the days when the only place for a compost bucket is on the kitchen counter. In this space, the pail stays out of sight until the cabinet door is opened. Recessed next to the trash can, it is easily accessible.
Although this stainless steel pail is lined with a compostable green bag for easy cleanup, it’s not necessary since the pail is dishwasher safe. Simply throw it in the dishwasher to keep it clean and fresh.
Although this stainless steel pail is lined with a compostable green bag for easy cleanup, it’s not necessary since the pail is dishwasher safe. Simply throw it in the dishwasher to keep it clean and fresh.
2. Recessed countertop bin. This stainless steel composting system is flush-mounted into the quartz countertop. It collects food waste in an undercounter pail that is easily removed for cleaning. The tight-fitting lid helps to mitigate any odors.
Does a countertop bin encourage composting? It just might. This flush-mounted bin is the antithesis of the adage “Out of sight, out of mind,” and yet still discreet. Still, some might prefer an expanse of uninterrupted countertop and choose a hidden bin instead.
Does a countertop bin encourage composting? It just might. This flush-mounted bin is the antithesis of the adage “Out of sight, out of mind,” and yet still discreet. Still, some might prefer an expanse of uninterrupted countertop and choose a hidden bin instead.
3. Cutting board cutout. Composting is easily achieved while using this cutting board. Throw food scraps through the hole, and they fall directly into the compost bin below. Do keep in mind that once the cutting board is no longer needed, it’s best to put a lid on the bin to keep flies and smells at bay.
4. One-stop chop shop. This unassuming chopping block cabinet is a one-stop prep station. From the outside, it just looks like a lovely rounded cabinet.
But open the doors and you’ll find a bin for composting, a knife block and cutting boards below.
5. Custom drawer. The drawer of this 18-inch garbage and recycling cabinet has been cleverly customized to be a compost receptacle that’s easily accessible yet out of sight. Prep your meals on the island and sweep any food scraps into the open drawer. Any scraps not compostable can be swept into the garbage bin below by simply closing the compost drawer.
I love this purposeful cabinet. My only caveat is that you might consider lining the drawer for easier cleaning.
I love this purposeful cabinet. My only caveat is that you might consider lining the drawer for easier cleaning.
6. Stainless steel drawer. Another option for a compost drawer is to line it with stainless steel inserts. That way when you’re ready to empty and clean, the liners are easily removable. And because the inserts are stainless, they can be washed in the dishwasher.
7. Undersink drawer. Now here’s a better use of the limited and often awkward space below the sink: hiding the compost, recycling and garbage. The bins are accessed by opening the shallow sink drawer.
8. Under the sink. Can’t find a dedicated space for your compost bin? There’s always the under-the-sink cabinet. In this space, the bin is attached to the cabinet door.
When you open the door, the lid on the bin is pulled off automatically.
9. Waste management center. If three bins are good, are four better? This one-stop cabinet has four inserts for the dedicated recycler. Use it for compost, garbage, paper and cans, or any division you see fit — each item can have a designated spot.
10. Retrofitted roll-out. If you already have a roll-out feature in your cabinet, you can retrofit it for compost quite easily by simply placing a stainless steel pail on it. Nothing fancy, but it works — especially if it’s located beneath a cutting board.
11. In plain sight. All the previous examples are hidden compost bins. But this cool kitchen incorporates its waste management system out in the open, as part of the design.
The island’s shape mirrors the curve of the kitchen and houses a trio of metal bins: for compost, recycling and garbage. These circular metal bins mimic the curves of the kitchen and add a slight industrial element and a bit of texture to the blond wood cabinetry. Best of all, the island’s countertop has a cutout for food scraps to go directly into the compost bin.
The island’s shape mirrors the curve of the kitchen and houses a trio of metal bins: for compost, recycling and garbage. These circular metal bins mimic the curves of the kitchen and add a slight industrial element and a bit of texture to the blond wood cabinetry. Best of all, the island’s countertop has a cutout for food scraps to go directly into the compost bin.
Composting Basics
Composting is great for the environment, because it reduces our reliance on landfills for waste disposal. Organic waste is the largest component of solid waste in landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and there it contributes to climate change by releasing methane gas. The gas is produced by decaying food lying in the stagnant, airless environment of the landfill — yuck.
Composting is great for the environment, because it reduces our reliance on landfills for waste disposal. Organic waste is the largest component of solid waste in landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and there it contributes to climate change by releasing methane gas. The gas is produced by decaying food lying in the stagnant, airless environment of the landfill — yuck.
In addition to reducing waste and greenhouse gases, composting has other benefits. Adding compost to soil increases water retention and minimizes the need for fertilizer and pesticides. Compost-enriched soil results in healthier fruits and vegetables.
Go online and you will find lists of compostable food items. Here’s just a sampling of what to add to your kitchen compost to reduce your organic waste footprint, and what not to compost
Do compost:
Don’t compost:
More
Houzz TV: Make a Worm Bin for Rich Soil and Happy Plants
Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)
Go online and you will find lists of compostable food items. Here’s just a sampling of what to add to your kitchen compost to reduce your organic waste footprint, and what not to compost
Do compost:
- Vegetable and fruit scraps
- Coffee grinds, filters and tea bags
- Eggshells
- Cooked and uncooked grains
- Old spices
- Stale cereals
- Old bread, crackers, cookies — anything made of flour
Don’t compost:
- Meat or fish scraps
- Grease, oil
- Dairy products
More
Houzz TV: Make a Worm Bin for Rich Soil and Happy Plants
Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)
Our philosophy at Kitchen Kraft is to make home remodeling convenient. We are your one-stop shop for kitchen... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Related Stories
Modern Architecture
How to Improve the Comfort of Your Midcentury Modern Home
By Colin Flavin
You can maintain the era’s signature style in your home while improving its thermal performance
Full Story
Architecture
The Passive House: What It Is and Why You Should Care
If you don’t understand passive design, you could be throwing money out the window
Full Story
Traditional Homes
Houzz Tour: 1950s Cape Cod-Style House Gets a Sustainable Update
By Becky Harris
A designer renovates a Maine waterfront cottage to emphasize energy efficiency, storytelling and vintage charm
Full Story
Green Decorating
7 Eco-Friendly Updates to Help Cool Your Home
Consider these energy-saving ways to reduce indoor temperatures on hot days
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: New Zero-Energy Home Filled With Natural Light
By Julie Sheer
A green-leaning design-build firm creates a LEED Platinum-certified family home near Portland, Oregon
Full Story
Earth Day
12 Pros Share the Top Sustainable Features They’re Using
Design, building and landscape pros discuss the ways they’re creating comfortable, efficient and eco-friendly homes
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: Modern Vineyard Retreat in Under 1,800 Square Feet
In Oregon wine country, an efficient, earthy house inspired by simplicity, sunshine and soil blends into the landscape
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
6 Tips for Making Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Four architects reveal how to reduce the environmental impact of your home project
Full Story
Architecture
6 Ways to Make Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Create a sustainable sanctuary without breaking the bank with these must-know tips from architects
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Row House Refresh Adds Vintage Character
By Becky Harris
A designer repaints cabinets, replaces hardware, adds marble and textural tile — and donates discarded items for reuse
Full Story
I have a small piece of crockery as a holding station for small bits of compost, since my large compost bin is behind a door then slides out. Pretty slick, but the small "3 " high counter container helps with all those tiny bits and crumbs. Whenever I have a larger amount of compost I empty the small container along with the compost into the larger bin.
Check out Dropout Cabinet's version for a composting bin that is recessed into a countertop for easy accessibility when food prepping. It is made of stainless steel and comes with a 9 qt plastic container. The interior of the lid has a rubber gasket to help keep odors out and when closed, is flush with the counter top. Press down and the lid pops up. No more having to find a place for a separate lid. Pair it with our Tip Out Waste System to make food prepping even more convenient!
The popularity of food waste collection here (southern Vancouver Island) is partly because food waste is prohibited in household garbage. If you get all the waste hauled away, one "compost" bin will do. If you compost what you can and get the rest (fat, bones, etc.) taken away, two bins are required. We process all our food waste in the yard using a Green Cone. Bears and rodents leave it alone - a big bonus!