Composting is one of the easiest and most eco-friendly ways to reduce waste and improve soil health. A good compost bin helps turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get started. There are plenty of affordable compost bins under $100 that offer great features like odor control, durability, and easy access for turning the compost. This guide will help you find the best compost bin that fits your needs and budget.
Key Highlights
- Affordable compost bins for home gardens under $100
- Various types available, including tumblers, stationary, and countertop bins
- Odor control features to keep your space fresh
- Durable and easy-to-use options for beginners and experienced gardeners
Find The Best Compost Bins Under $100
- SPACE-EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT - simplehuman's compost caddy hangs neatly on the side of your trash can and is easy to detach for use on your kitchen counter during food prep and clean up.
- MAGNETIC DOCKING SYSTEM - Attaches to the side of rectangular or slim liner rim trash cans to keep the compost caddy securely in place – magnets also help keep lid open while in use.
- MINIMIZES ORDER AND KEEPS PESTS OUT - Food scraps are smelly, our soft-seal lid lets food scraps breathe minimizing odor and keeping pests like fruit flies away.
- REMOVABLE INNER BUCKET - Handled bucket holds a large amount of food scraps and is easy to remove for dumping compost or cleaning.
- Convenient size and design for everyday counter-top use
- Lid flips up for easy filling and flips down to lock in odors
- Smooth interior walls prevent foods and liquids from building up
- Contoured bottom and removable lid makes emptying simple
- FEATURED IN BON APPETIT & FORBES: Recognized by renowned magazines, EPICA’s compost bin is a perfectly sized marvel for your kitchen, compact yet spacious enough to hold days' worth of compostable...
- CONTROL KITCHEN ODORS NATURALLY: EPICA's compost bin with an airtight lid and replaceable activated-charcoal filter can eliminate unpleasant odors in your kitchen naturally and conveniently.
- EASY TO CLEAN & RESISTANT TO LEAKS: Our one-piece molded counter compost bin with lid, resists rust and leaks, making it easy to clean and maintain. Say goodbye to welded bins that deteriorate over...
- BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME: Made of high-grade stainless steel, EPICA's counter top compost bin for kitchen is durable, scratch resistant, and won't leach toxic chemicals into your compost.
- Made in Canada from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic - The original 8-sided dual chamber tumbling composter.
- TUMBLING COMPOSTER – Avoid digging and mixing your compost pile by hand. The tumbling design makes mixing easy and efficient. Just close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot sunny...
- EASY TO USE – Fantastic for beginners! The large openings and removable door make it easy to add scraps/clippings and remove finished compost. Deep fins on the body provide great ergonomic...
- TWO COMPOSTER CHAMBERS ARE BETTER THAN ONE – Two separate sides allow the first side to finish while leaving the second side available to add fresh scraps/clippings. Continuously swapping sides...
- Lid Can Effective Prevent Odor From Escaping:" Indoor hanging compost bin with lid designed specifically as a hidden non smelling, super easy access for load and unload; The compost bucket is the...
- Wall Mount Trash Can:" Trash bin is easy to install hanging, mount accessory ( 1 hook, 2 adhesive hooks and 20 pcs trash bag ) included, fit for most cabinet doors, pantry doors, cupboard, the...
- Premium Material and Enough Capacity:" Compost Trash Can is made from ABS plastic, sturdy and durable; Dimension: 10.2 * 6.3 * 11.6 inch, capacity: 2.4 gallon; The Kitchen Pail is easy to clean with...
- Wide Application:" Our Compost Bin can work with reusable grocery bags, suitable for kitchen, bathroom, RV, laundry, space saving hanging trash can can sit conveniently wherever you need it
Last update on 2025-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Types of Compost Bins Under $100
There are different styles of compost bins available, and choosing the right one depends on your space and composting needs.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Compost Tumblers | Speeds up decomposition, easy to turn, prevents pests | Can be more expensive, smaller capacity |
| Stationary Bins | Large capacity, simple design, budget-friendly | Requires manual turning, may attract pests |
| Countertop Bins | Compact, great for kitchen scraps, odor control | Small capacity, needs frequent emptying |
Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best Compost Bin Under $100
Size and Capacity
The right size depends on how much compostable material you produce. Smaller bins (1-5 gallons) are great for kitchen scraps, while larger bins (30+ gallons) are better for yard waste and bigger gardens.
Material and Durability
Compost bins are typically made of plastic, metal, or wood. Plastic bins are lightweight and affordable, while metal options are durable and resistant to weather. If you prefer a natural look, wood bins blend well into garden spaces.
Airflow and Ventilation
Good ventilation speeds up the composting process and prevents bad odors. Look for bins with air vents or perforations to help maintain the right balance of oxygen and moisture.
Ease of Use
A good compost bin should be easy to open, mix, and empty. Compost tumblers are great because they require less manual labor, while stationary bins may need occasional turning with a compost fork.
Pest and Odor Control
To keep pests like rodents and flies away, choose a bin with a secure lid. For indoor bins, consider models with charcoal filters or tight-sealing lids to control odors.
Tips for Using a Compost Bin Under $100
To get the best results from your compost bin, follow these simple tips:
- Balance Greens & Browns – Compost needs a mix of greens (food scraps, grass clippings) and browns (leaves, cardboard, wood chips) for proper decomposition.
- Keep It Moist, But Not Soaked – Compost should feel like a damp sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if too wet, mix in dry materials.
- Turn It Regularly – Turning the compost once a week speeds up decomposition and prevents odor buildup. Tumblers make this easy, while stationary bins may require a compost fork.
- Chop Up Large Pieces – Smaller food scraps and yard waste break down faster, so cut up large materials before adding them.
- Avoid Meat & Dairy – These items can attract pests and create bad odors. Stick to fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and plant-based scraps.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I compost indoors with a bin under $100?
Yes! Many countertop compost bins are designed for indoor use and include odor control features like charcoal filters. You can also try vermicomposting (worm bins), which work well indoors.
How long does it take for compost to be ready?
Depending on the type of bin and materials used, compost can take anywhere from 2 months to a year to fully break down. Tumblers speed up the process, while stationary bins take longer.
Do compost bins smell bad?
No, if managed properly! Good airflow and the right balance of greens and browns help prevent odors. If your bin smells bad, it may be too wet or have too many food scraps.
What’s the best type of compost bin for beginners?
A compost tumbler is the easiest for beginners since it requires less effort to mix the compost. If you prefer a low-cost option, a stationary bin works well for outdoor use.
With a budget-friendly compost bin under $100, you can easily turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Whether you choose a tumbler, stationary bin, or countertop option, composting is a simple and eco-friendly way to improve your soil and reduce waste.