Best Compost Bin How To Build

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The keyword asks how to build a compost bin, but none of the ten products in this set is a kit, plan, or set of parts for building one. The set holds eight ready-made bins and tumblers, from small countertop buckets to a large outdoor tumbler, plus two how-to books. Two bins are indoor countertop buckets with charcoal filters, two are stainless steel kitchen pails, and the rest are outdoor composters or a worm bin. This guide covers all ten and notes which parts of the question the set can answer.

Quick answer: which product fits which need

If you want a countertop bucket that holds scraps between trips outside, the OXO, Perfnique, Reli., Epica, and RED FACTOR bins are the indoor options in the set. The OXO is the only one with a charcoal finish and a stay-open lid.

If you want a stainless steel countertop bin, the Reli., Epica, and RED FACTOR all use stainless steel, although their capacity and lids differ. Epica’s weight figure is not confirmed.

If you want a large outdoor composter, the Miracle-Gro dual chamber tumbler and the GEOBIN expandable bin are the two in the set. The Miracle-Gro is a rotating tumbler with two chambers. The GEOBIN is a stacked plastic bin with a capacity that is not confirmed.

If you want to compost with worms, the BDAC two-pack worm bin is the one in the set designed for that purpose.

If you want to learn how to build a compost system, the first book in the set, How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System, is the one to read. The second book, Inside the Compost Bin, is written for young readers.

Comparison table

Product	Type	Capacity (as listed)	Material	Size (L x W x H)	Lid or access	Special
Perfnique countertop bin	Indoor bucket	1.3 gal	Metal and plastic	7.5 x 9.9 x 7.9 in	Lid, inner pail with handle	Two carbon filters
OXO Good Grips bin	Indoor bin	1.75 gal (6.62 L)	Plastic	8.3 x 10.15 x 12 in	Stay-open lid, removable lid	Bags tuck inside
Epica countertop bin	Indoor bin	1.3 gal	Stainless steel	7.16 x 7.16 x 11 in	Airtight lid	Replaceable charcoal filter
Reli. countertop bin	Indoor bin	1.3 gal	Stainless steel	7.25 x 7.25 x 11.25 in	Lid	Two charcoal filters
Miracle-Gro tumbler	Outdoor tumbler	37 gal total (two 18.5 gal chambers)	Alloy steel (plastic also described)	25 x 23.5 x 29.5 in	Two sliding doors	Rolling, two chambers
RED FACTOR countertop bin	Indoor bin	1.3 gal (5 L)	Stainless steel	8.7 x 7.3 x 10.8 in	Dome lid with vents	Spare filters included
GEOBIN expandable bin	Outdoor bin	Not confirmed (216, 237, or 246 gal)	Plastic	36.5 x 5 x 5 in	Removable lid	Expandable
BDAC worm composter, 2-pack	Worm bin	5540 cubic cm (per bin or pair not stated)	Stainless steel	4 x 4 x 12 in (sizes not confirmed)	Removable lid	Two sizes described
How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System (book)	Book	288 pages	Paper	6 x 0.65 x 9 in	Not applicable	Second revised edition
Inside the Compost Bin (book)	Book	40 pages	Paper	9.2 x 0.4 x 11.3 in	Not applicable	Reading age 7 to 10

What this set covers, and what it does not

The set has three groups. The first is indoor countertop buckets: the Perfnique, OXO, Epica, Reli., and RED FACTOR. These hold food scraps in the kitchen until you can take them outside. The second is outdoor composters: the Miracle-Gro tumbler and the GEOBIN. The third is a worm composting bin, the BDAC two-pack. The two books cover building and maintaining a compost system, and a children’s topic.

None of the bins is a building kit. You buy the bin finished. If the goal is to build a bin from wood or other materials, the first book in the set is the only item that discusses building a system. Read its table of contents before you buy to see whether it covers the build you want.

Some listings also differ on what the product is. The GEOBIN and Miracle-Gro are both described as “compost bins” in their titles, but the Miracle-Gro is a rotating tumbler with a dual chamber. Read the product type before you compare capacity figures, because the two designs do not hold the same things.

How to choose a compost bin

Start with where the bin will go. An indoor countertop bucket is for food scraps that you empty into an outdoor pile or a bin every few days. It needs a lid that seals well, a handle or easy-empty inner pail, and a filter that controls odor. An outdoor tumbler or bin is for a yard, and it needs room, a way to access the contents, and a surface that does not sink.

Next, choose the material. Stainless steel resists rust and is easy to wipe, and several listings say it is rust resistant. Plastic is lighter and usually less expensive to replace, but the listings differ on its durability. The Miracle-Gro’s material field says alloy steel, while its description mentions a galvanized steel base and a plastic drum, so the material is not confirmed. Metal and plastic combinations, such as the Perfnique, have a plastic inner pail that protects the metal outer bucket.

Then look at capacity. The indoor buckets hold 1.3 gallons, or about 5 liters, and the OXO holds 1.75 gallons. Those sizes are for holding scraps between trips to the outdoor pile, not for finished compost. The outdoor tumbler holds 37 gallons across two chambers. The capacity of the GEOBIN is not confirmed, so do not plan a yard around it until the seller confirms the figure.

Finally, check odor control. Several indoor bins include charcoal filters. The Perfnique includes two active carbon filters that the listing says last about 4 to 6 months. The Epica filter is replaceable and the listing says 3 to 6 months. The Reli. comes with two charcoal filters, and the RED FACTOR includes spare filters. The OXO uses a soft-close lid that the description says allows oxygen to flow and reduces pests. Replacement filters are a recurring cost, so check whether replacements are sold for the model you choose.

Capacity and size checks

The indoor buckets are compact. The Perfnique measures 7.5 by 9.9 by 7.9 inches, the Epica 7.16 by 7.16 by 11 inches, the Reli. 7.25 by 7.25 by 11.25 inches, and the RED FACTOR 8.7 by 7.3 by 10.8 inches. The OXO is the tallest countertop bin at 12 inches. Measure the counter and the space under cabinets before you buy, because a tall bin may not fit under an overhang.

The GEOBIN’s capacity is the most conflicted figure in the set. The title says 246 gallons. The capacity field says 216 gallons. The description says it expands to 3.75 feet, which it lists as 237 gallons. Those three numbers do not agree, and the product dimensions of 36.5 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 5 inches high do not suggest a 216 gallon bin. The capacity is marked “Not confirmed.” Ask the seller for the correct figure and how it was measured.

The Miracle-Gro is a rolling tumbler, and its dimensions are 25 by 23.5 by 29.5 inches. Its capacity field says 37 gallons, and the description says two chambers of 18.5 gallons each, or 70 liters per chamber. Those figures are consistent, so the 37 gallon total is the one to use. The tumbler weighs about 8 kg, or about 17.6 lb. Its two sliding doors need clear space on the side where you load and empty it, and the OXO’s removable lid needs room above the counter to lift off.

The BDAC worm bin has two sizes in its description, 8.1 by 3.7 by 3.7 inches and 12 by 4.3 by 4.3 inches. Its product dimensions field reads 4 by 4 by 12 inches, which does not match the larger size. Its capacity of 5540 cubic centimeters does not say whether that figure applies to one bin or to the pair, so the capacity is marked “Not confirmed.”

Worked example: the capacity gap

The OXO holds 1.75 gallons and the Perfnique holds 1.3 gallons, so the OXO gives 0.45 gallons more room (1.75 minus 1.3). The Miracle-Gro tumbler lists 37 gallons in total, which is two 18.5 gallon chambers added together.

Material, lids, and odor control

Stainless steel is the material in the Epica, Reli., RED FACTOR, and BDAC products. The RED FACTOR description says it is made as a single sheet with no joints, which the listing presents as a reason it resists cracks and chips. The Epica description says its one-piece molded design resists rust and leaks, although that description is about a molded body, so the listing is not clear on whether it is stainless throughout.

Plastic is used in the OXO and GEOBIN. The OXO has a charcoal color and a soft-close lid, and the description says its bags stay tucked inside the bin. The GEOBIN is a black plastic bin with a removable lid and closure keys that the description says make it easy to assemble and reassemble.

The Perfnique uses a plastic inner pail inside a metal and plastic outer bucket. The inner pail separates scraps from the outer metal, which protects the outer bucket from rust and corrosion. That is the design to consider if you want a cream or farmhouse color for a kitchen.

Lids matter for odor. The Epica has an airtight lid and a replaceable charcoal filter. The RED FACTOR has a dome lid with holes for ventilation and a dual filter system. The BDAC worm bin has a removable lid with 360 degree ventilation holes, according to its description. Good airflow helps control odor, but it also lets in air, so the balance depends on the material you put in the bin.

Product-by-product breakdown

Perfnique countertop compost bin with lid

Perfnique 1.3 gallon kitchen compost bin with lid and countertop caddy

This is a 1.3 gallon countertop bin with a lid and an inner pail. The outer bucket is metal and plastic, and the color is cream. It measures 7.5 by 9.9 by 7.9 inches and weighs about 0.12 kg. The inner pail lifts out with a handle, which the description says makes it easy to carry scraps to an outdoor bin.

The bin includes two active carbon filters. The description says the filters last about 4 to 6 months and should be replaced when they stop working. The bin is for indoor use, should be cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth, and is not suitable for dishwashers. It also warns against sharp objects, which can scratch the finish.

The benefit is a neat, farmhouse-style bin that hides scraps behind a lid. The trade-off is that the carbon filters are a recurring cost, and the hand-wash rule means you need to clean the bin by hand after each emptying.

OXO Good Grips easy-clean compost bin

OXO Good Grips easy-clean compost bin, charcoal, 1.75 gallon, 6.62 liter

The OXO is a charcoal plastic countertop bin with a 1.75 gallon capacity, or 6.62 liters. It measures 8.3 by 10.15 by 12 inches and weighs about 0.74 kg. The bin has a stay-open lid, which the description says leaves your hands free while you work, and a removable lid for emptying.

The description says the soft-close lid allows oxygen to flow, which the description links to less odor and fewer pests. The unique design keeps bags tucked inside, so the bag is out of sight. The interior is described as smooth, which makes cleaning easier.

The benefit is the largest capacity among the indoor countertop bins in the set. The OXO is also the tallest, so measure the space above the counter before you buy. Its listed capacity is consistent across the title, the capacity field, and the description.

Epica stainless steel countertop bin

Epica kitchen compost bin for countertops, 1.3 gallon stainless steel, silver

The Epica is a cylindrical stainless steel bin with a 1.3 gallon capacity. It measures 7.16 by 7.16 by 11 inches and has an airtight, leak-resistant lid. The filter is replaceable and lasts 3 to 6 months with regular use.

The weight is not confirmed. The item weight field reads 0.27 g, which is not a usable weight for a stainless steel bin, and the number of items field reads 166, which does not describe a single bin. Ask the seller for the correct weight and item count before you buy. The manufacturer field reads USA, which is a country, not a company name.

The benefit is the stainless steel body and the airtight lid. The description says the bin is easy to hand wash with warm water and built for everyday use, and it recommends emptying and cleaning it weekly.

Reli. stainless steel countertop bin with charcoal filters

Reli. 1.3 gallon stainless steel compost bin for kitchen with charcoal filters

The Reli. is a stainless steel cylinder with a 1.3 gallon capacity. It measures 7.25 by 7.25 by 11.25 inches, and it includes bags and two charcoal filters, according to the description. The description also mentions an easy-pour handle, which makes it easier to transfer scraps to an outdoor pile.

The description says the stainless steel resists rust, stains, and odor absorption, and that the filters neutralize odors before they escape. The bin is listed for indoor use, and the design is compact enough for a small counter. The benefit is a bin that comes with filters and bags, so you can start using it straight away. The filter replacement schedule is not stated in the listing, so ask the seller how often the filters need changing.

Miracle-Gro dual chamber compost tumbler

Miracle-Gro dual chamber compost tumbler with two sliding doors, 37 gallon capacity

The Miracle-Gro is an outdoor rolling tumbler with two chambers. The capacity field reads 37 gallons, and the description says each chamber holds 18.5 gallons, or 70 liters, which are consistent figures. It measures 25 by 23.5 by 29.5 inches and weighs about 8 kg, or about 17.6 lb. The shape is hexagonal, and the color is black.

The description says the tumbler has two sliding doors, a galvanized steel base, sturdy side locks, and tight seals that keep out pests. It describes the plastic as BPA free, food grade, and UV protected. The description says that rotating the tumbler every few days speeds up decomposition, and it gives 4 to 6 weeks as a timeframe for finished compost.

The material is not confirmed. The material field reads alloy steel, while the description describes a plastic drum and a galvanized steel base. Those are different materials, so confirm the drum material before you buy. The benefit is the two chambers: one can fill while the other cures, which the description says keeps compost coming. A tumbler like this suits a yard with room and a way to turn it, rather than a balcony.

RED FACTOR stainless steel countertop bin

RED FACTOR premium compost bin for kitchen countertop, stainless steel, white, dual filter

The RED FACTOR is a white stainless steel bin with a capacity of 5 liters, or about 1.3 gallons. It measures 8.7 by 7.3 by 10.8 inches and weighs 1 kg. The dome lid has holes for ventilation, and the description says the dual filter technology uses active carbon and that the bin includes spare filters.

The description says the bin is built from a single sheet of stainless steel with no joints. It also says the bin has a soft grip handle and that it is easy to clean with soapy water. It is not machine washable, and the seller describes a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

The benefit is a stainless steel bin with spare filters, which is useful for the first few months. The white color is a clean match for a light kitchen, and the dome lid is easy to lift with one hand.

GEOBIN expandable outdoor compost bin

GEOBIN expandable outdoor compost bin, plastic, easy assembly, made in the USA

The GEOBIN is a black plastic outdoor bin that the description says expands to 3.75 feet. It measures 36.5 by 5 by 5 inches in its product dimensions and weighs about 7 lb. The listing describes easy assembly with closure keys, easy moving, and easy reassembly, and it mentions excellent ventilation.

The capacity is not confirmed. The title says 246 gallons, the capacity field says 216 gallons, and the description says 237 gallons when expanded. The product dimensions are too small for any of those figures to be true for a single assembled bin, so the capacity should be confirmed with the seller before you plan a yard around it.

The benefit is the expandable design and the easy assembly, which suit a yard that needs a bin that can be moved. The manufacturer’s warranty is listed as freedom from manufacturing defects. The GEOBIN is listed as made in the USA in its title.

BDAC worm composter, 2-pack

BDAC 2-pack stainless steel worm composter with handle and lid, outdoor vermicomposting bin

The BDAC is a two-pack of stainless steel worm composting bins. The description says there are two sizes, 8.1 by 3.7 by 3.7 inches and 12 by 4.3 by 4.3 inches, and that the bins are designed to work with how worms naturally live and move in soil. The product dimensions field reads 4 by 4 by 12 inches, which does not match the larger size, so the dimensions are not confirmed.

The capacity of 5540 cubic centimeters does not say whether it applies to one bin or to the pair, so it is also not confirmed. The bins have a wider opening that the description says makes it easier to add scraps, a removable lid, and 360 degree ventilation holes. The description says the stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, and it describes the bin as suitable for a vegetable garden or raised bed.

The benefit is that the bins are a different kind of composting: a worm system that works in a smaller space. It is not a standard kitchen bin or an outdoor tumbler. The listing does not give setup steps for the worms, so ask the seller what a first setup needs.

How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System (book)

How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System: Secrets and Techniques for growing the best vegetables

This is the book in the set that covers building and maintaining a compost system. The listing gives a 2nd revised edition published September 21, 2015, by Atlantic Publishing Group, with 288 pages and an English language edition. The ISBN-10 is 1620230135, and the ISBN-13 is 978-1620230138. The book weighs 11.2 oz and measures 6 by 0.65 by 9 inches.

The author is not stated in the listing. The book is the only item in the set that addresses how to build a system, so it is the one to read if you want to make a bin yourself. Check the table of contents for the build you have in mind, because the listing does not give a chapter list.

Inside the Compost Bin (book)

Inside the Compost Bin, a picture book for children ages 7 to 10

This is a 40 page picture book from Tilbury House Publishers, written for children with a reading age of 7 to 10 and a grade level from kindergarten to grade 4. It has the ISBN-10 1668944863 and the ISBN-13 978-1668944868. It weighs 13.6 oz and measures 9.2 by 0.4 by 11.3 inches.

No author name appears on the listing. The book does not cover building a bin. It is an option for a child who wants to learn about what happens inside a compost bin, and it can be used alongside a countertop bin or a worm bin.

If you want to build a bin yourself, these related guides on this site cover the do-it-yourself routes: the 5 gallon bucket compost bin, the trash can compost bin, and the way to start a compost bin.

Running the bins together

Most households that use a countertop bin and an outdoor bin run them as a pair. The countertop bin holds scraps for a few days, and the outdoor bin takes them when the countertop bin is full or starts to smell. That routine makes the choice of bin less about total capacity and more about how often you empty it.

The indoor bins are emptied most often, and their cleaning routine sets the pace. The Epica description recommends emptying and cleaning weekly. The Perfnique inner pail lifts out with a handle, so carrying scraps outside is a single trip. The OXO bags stay tucked inside the bin, so you can empty it without handling the bag edge.

Filters set the rhythm for odor control. The carbon filters in the Perfnique, Epica, Reli., and RED FACTOR are described as lasting about three to six months, depending on the model and use. When you install a new filter, write the replacement date on your calendar, so you do not run a bin past the end of its filter life.

The outdoor side depends on turning and access. The Miracle-Gro tumbler is meant to be turned every few days, according to its description, and its two chambers let one fill while the other finishes. The GEOBIN is assembled once and then loaded and emptied through the lid. Both need a spot you can reach in every season.

Lids decide how much air the bin takes in. The Epica’s airtight lid seals the scraps in, while the RED FACTOR’s dome lid has holes for ventilation. Pick the lid style that matches how often you empty the bin and how close it sits to the kitchen.

Who should buy and who should skip

Buy an indoor countertop bin if you want to hold scraps in the kitchen and empty them into an outdoor pile or bin. The Perfnique, OXO, Reli., and RED FACTOR are the most fully described options. The Epica has a weight and item count that are not confirmed.

Buy a stainless steel bin if you want a material that resists rust and is easy to wipe. The Reli., Epica, and RED FACTOR all use stainless steel, and the RED FACTOR and Reli. include filters.

Buy the Miracle-Gro tumbler if you have a yard with room for a rolling bin and you want two chambers. Confirm the drum material first.

Buy the BDAC worm composter if you want a worm system for a garden bed or raised bed. Setup steps for the worms are missing from the listing, so ask the seller how to start.

Buy the first book if you want to learn how to build and maintain a compost system before you start a build. Check the table of contents for the specific build you want.

Skip the GEOBIN until the capacity is confirmed, because the three figures in the listing do not agree.

Skip the Epica until the weight and item count are confirmed, since the listing’s figures are not usable.

Use case: a kitchen with a small counter. The Reli. and RED FACTOR are compact and include filters, which makes them a practical start for a small kitchen. The OXO is the largest countertop bin, but it is also the tallest.

Use case: a yard with room for a tumbler. The Miracle-Gro has the largest capacity in the set, at 37 gallons in two chambers.

Use case: a family teaching children about composting. The children’s book is written for ages 7 to 10 and can be read alongside a kitchen bin.

Decision rules and pre-purchase checks

1. Check the product type. Eight are bins, tumblers, or composters. Two are books. None is a building kit.
2. Confirm the capacity. Where the figures disagree, as they do for the GEOBIN, confirm the correct figure before you buy.
3. Check the material. Stainless steel, plastic, and metal-plastic combinations need different care. The Miracle-Gro material is not confirmed.
4. Plan for filter replacement. The Perfnique, Epica, Reli., and RED FACTOR use carbon filters that need replacing. Confirm the replacement schedule and the filter availability before you buy.
5. Measure your counter or yard. The OXO is 12 inches tall, and the Miracle-Gro is about 29.5 inches tall, which is more than a counter-height bin.
6. Confirm the build option. If you want to build a bin yourself, the first book is the only item in the set that covers building. Check its contents first.

Care, common mistakes, and frequently asked questions

Common mistake: expecting a kit to build a bin. None of the ten products is a kit. The book is the only item that covers building.

Common mistake: trusting one capacity figure. The GEOBIN lists three different capacities. Ask the seller which figure is correct.

Common mistake: ignoring filter replacement. Carbon filters need replacing every few months. Confirm the cost and availability before you buy.

Common mistake: putting a hand-wash bin in the dishwasher. The Perfnique should not go in a dishwasher, and the RED FACTOR is not machine washable.

Care. Empty and clean indoor bins regularly, using warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry the bin fully before reuse, and let the carbon filters air out between uses if the instructions say so. Avoid sharp objects on the finish, since scratches can make cleaning harder. Store the outdoor tumbler and bins in a dry place in winter, and keep the lids closed to limit pests.

Which product is best for a countertop?

The OXO has the largest capacity of the indoor bins at 1.75 gallons, but it is the tallest. The Reli. and RED FACTOR are compact and include filters.

Which product is the largest outdoor bin?

The Miracle-Gro tumbler lists 37 gallons across two chambers. The GEOBIN capacity is not confirmed.

Does any product teach building?

The first book, How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System, is the only item in the set that covers building. The listing does not give a chapter list.

Which product uses worms?

The BDAC two-pack is a worm composter. Confirm the size and capacity before you buy, since those figures are not confirmed.

Which bin is stainless steel?

The Epica, Reli., RED FACTOR, and BDAC are described as stainless steel.

Which product is for children?

Inside the Compost Bin is written for ages 7 to 10.

How long do the carbon filters last?

The Perfnique listing gives 4 to 6 months, and the Epica listing gives 3 to 6 months with regular use. The Reli. and RED FACTOR include filters, but their listings do not state a replacement schedule.

Where is the GEOBIN made?

Its title says made in the USA. The capacity is not confirmed, so ask the seller for the figure before you plan a yard around it.

What does “Not confirmed” mean in this guide?

It means two or more figures in the supplied data disagree, or a figure does not fit the other fields. Confirm it with the seller before you rely on it.