Compost Bin DIY Trash Can: 6 Small Bins That Feed One

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A compost bin diy trash can setup pairs a small kitchen collector with an outdoor trash can you drill and fill yourself. This guide helps you decide what size collector you need, what features keep scraps contained, and how that indoor bin fits a diy compost bin garbage can system outdoors.

You will learn how trash-can composting works, what to look for in a countertop or hanging collector, and which specs matter before you buy. The listings here describe indoor bins from 0.75 gallons to 2.6 gallons that hold food scraps for a few days before you carry them outside to your main compost bin out of trash can.

Quick answer

For a trash can compost bin diy project, most homes need two parts: an outdoor drilled can for bulk composting and a small indoor bin for daily scraps. The indoor bin should have a lid, smooth walls for easy emptying, and a size you can carry without strain.

If you cook daily, choose a 1.3 gallons to 2.6 gallons collector with a lid that seals against odor and fruit flies. If space is tight, choose a hanging or cabinet-door model that frees the counter. If you want simple countertop use, choose a 0.75 Gal or 1.3 gallons cylindrical bin with a handle. Empty the small bin into your outdoor can every few days, add dry leaves and woody material from your yard, and keep the outdoor can aerated. Check the product listing for exact dimensions, filter replacement needs, and care steps.

What matters for a compost bin diy trash can

A garbage can compost bin diy system works when the indoor collector matches your cooking volume and the outdoor can gets air, moisture balance, and turning. These criteria change the choice.

1. Collector capacity in gallons

Capacity controls how often you walk outside. The listings state 0.75 Gal, 1.3 gallons, 2 gallons, 2.1 gallons, 2.6 gallons, and 7 liters. A 0.75 Gal bin needs frequent emptying. A 2.6 gallons bin holds several days of peelings in one container. Choose a 1.3 gallons size if you cook for one or two people. Choose 2 gallons or larger if you prep vegetables daily or want fewer trips.

For more on starting the outdoor side, see Best Way to Start a Compost Bin.

2. Lid and odor control

Lids matter because scraps sit for days. Look for flip-up lids, swing lids, slide-down lids, or tilt-out designs. Some listings include an activated-charcoal filter or carbon filter. Others rely on a precision-fit lid with no filter. The listing tells you which system you get and whether filters need replacement. If odor control matters in a small kitchen, prefer a lid the listing describes as sealing or odor-blocking.

3. Mounting and footprint in inches

Measure in inches before you buy. Listings give footprints such as 6.6″L x 6.4″W x 7.5″H, 7.5″L x 9.9″W x 7.9″H, 10.2″L x 6.3″W x 9.4″H, and 9.92″L x 7.56″W x 11.17″H. Hanging bins can mount on cabinet doors under 1 inch or 0.95 inch thickness, or stick to smooth surfaces. Freestanding bins need stable counter space. If your counter is crowded, a hanging bin helps. If you rent, check whether adhesive mounting is allowed.

4. Material and cleaning

Materials in these listings include plastic, stainless steel, polypropylene, silicone, and metal with plastic liner. Plastic and silicone wipe clean with soap and water. Stainless steel resists staining and holds shape. Removable inner buckets or liners make dumping faster and keep waste off the outer shell. Check the listing for dishwasher guidance. One listing says it is not suitable for dishwashers. Another says dishwasher safe and BPA free.

Learn outdoor build options in Best Making a Compost Bin From a Trash Can.

5. Carry and emptying design

You will carry this bin to the yard. Handles, light weight, and smooth interiors matter. Weights stated include 1.2 pounds, 1.3 pounds, 3.4 pounds, and 3.9 pounds. A rotating handle or silicone carrying handle helps on stairs. A contoured bottom or seamless interior reduces stuck scraps. A retaining ring or bag-fixing hole keeps liners in place during filling.

Picks at a glance

Pick	Capacity stated	Material stated	Mounting stated	Lid stated
Perfnique countertop caddy	1.3 gallons	Metal, Plastic	Countertop	Lid with carbon filters
Gleynest hanging bin	2.6 gallons	Plastic	Hanging / adhesive / freestanding	Tilt-Out lid with Odor Seal
Hoipu hanging bin	3.2 gallons	Polypropylene	Hanging / adhesive / freestanding	Press-Top sliding lid with Odor Seal
EKO stainless bin	7 liters	Stainless Steel	Hang over doors / wall / countertop	Swing lid
Ouaken stainless hanging bin	2.1 gallons	Stainless Steel	Cabinet door / freestanding	Flip-Lid soft-close
OXO countertop bin	2.83 liters	Plastic	Countertop	Flip-Up Lid

Table data come from each product listing. Check the listing for current dimensions and included parts.

How to choose for your kitchen and yard

Start with household size and cooking style. A single person who cooks a few times per week can use a 0.75 Gal or 1.3 gallons bin and empty twice per week. A family that preps fresh produce daily fills a 2 gallons to 2.6 gallons bin faster and may need emptying every two to three days. The listings do not state outdoor composting rates, so match the indoor bin to your tolerance for trips outside.

Next, map your space. Measure counter depth and under-sink height in inches. Compare to Item Dimensions L x W x H in each listing. Hanging bins list door thickness limits such as door thickness < 1 inch or door thickness ≤ 0.95 inch. Confirm your cabinet door thickness before ordering hooks or adhesive mounts. If you want both countertop and under-sink use, choose a model that lists hanging, adhesive-mounted, and freestanding modes.

Then pick odor control you will maintain. Filter bins need filter changes. No-filter bins need tight lids and more frequent emptying. One listing includes 2 active carbon filters. Another listing states it requires no activated carbon filter and relies on a lidded design. Another includes an activated-charcoal filter. Read whether refills are included. The listing does not always state refill life, so check the product listing.

You can compost at home using food scraps from your kitchen and dry leaves and woody material from your yard. Source details are in the sources list. Composting reduces the volume of materials that might otherwise go to landfills or trash incinerators, and produces a free soil amendment that can reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. Compost also enables soil to absorb and hold water better, helping reduce erosion and flooding in heavy rains and retain water during droughts.

For a full trash-can build, read Best Make a Compost Bin Out of a Trash Can. For barrel methods, see Best Making a Compost Bin From a Plastic Barrel. If you want a tiny starter method, see Best Diy Compost Bin 5 Gallon Bucket.

Indoor collectors that feed a trash-can composter

Perfnique 1.3 Gal Kitchen Compost Bin with Lid

This is a 1.3 gallons countertop caddy with a metal outer and plastic inner pail. The listing states Product Dimensions of 7.5″L x 9.9″W x 7.9″H and includes a Countertop Compost Bin and Inner Bucket. It comes with 2 active carbon filters to limit odor. The inner pail lifts out with a small handle for carrying scraps to an outdoor bin. Cleaning is with soapy water and soft cloth. The listing says it is not suitable for dishwashers and warns against sharp objects that can scratch the finish.

Who it fits: cooks who want a small farmhouse-style counter caddy that feeds a larger outdoor trash can compost bin diy setup. The compact footprint suits apartments. Skip it if you need hanging mounting or dishwasher-safe parts, or if 1.3 gallons means too many trips for your household.

Gleynest 2.6 Gallon Hanging Small Trash Can with Lid

This is a 2.6 gallons rectangular plastic bin that works hanging, adhesive-mounted, or freestanding. The listing states Item Dimensions L x W x H of 10.2″L x 6.3″W x 9.4″H and Item Weight of 1.3 pounds. It includes a trash can body, trash can lid, a hook, and an adhesive hook. The lid offers flip up or slide down opening and includes a retaining ring to hold bags. The listing describes Odor Seal and says no activated carbon filter is required.

Who it fits: small kitchens that need cabinet-door or under-sink collection without bending. The slim 6.3″W width helps in tight spaces. Skip it if your cabinet door is thicker than 1 inch, or if you prefer stainless steel over plastic.

Hoipu Hanging Trash Can with Lid

This is a 3.2 gallons rectangular polypropylene bin for indoor collection. The listing states dimensions of 11.8″L x 10.2″W x 6.7″H and lists hanging, adhesive-mounted, or freestanding use. It uses a sliding lid the listing describes as odor-blocking without activated carbon filters. Hooks and adhesive mounting are included for cabinet doors under 1 inch thickness or smooth surfaces. The design aims to reduce back strain by placing disposal at standing height.

Who it fits: households that want the largest collector here to cut trips to the outdoor can. Good for prep-heavy kitchens, bathrooms, RVs, or offices as a second use. Skip it if counter space is shallow, since the 11.8″L length needs room, or if you want a filter-based odor system.

EKO Kitchen Compost Bin, 7L / 1.85 Gal

This is a 7 liters stainless steel rectangular bin with removable inner bucket and deodorizer compartment. The listing states Product Dimensions of 9.88″L x 6.65″W x 11.42″H and Item Weight of 3.9 pounds. It offers triple placement: hang over cabinet doors, mount on walls, or place on countertops. The swing lid stays sealed when not in use. The listing describes fingerprint, corrosion, and stain resistance and notes a sturdy carrying handle and detachable design for cleaning.

Who it fits: buyers who want stainless steel and flexible placement from counter to cabinet door. The tall 11.42″H shape fits narrow gaps. Skip it if you want the lightest carry, since 3.9 pounds is heavier than plastic models here, or if you need included filters stated in the listing.

Ouaken 2.1 Gal Hanging Trash Can with Lid

This is a 2.1 gallons stainless steel rectangular bin with removable inner bucket. The listing states Item Dimensions L x W x H of 10.2″L x 6.5″W x 11.5″H and lists Dual Compartment, Removable Bucket, and Rustproof as special features. Included components are Trash Can, Inner Bin, Hanging Hook, Adhesive Hook, and Manual. The flip-lid has soft-close action and the listing describes a tighter seal to help contain odors and fruit flies. The seamless interior aims to limit residue in corners.

Who it fits: modern kitchens that want stainless looks with hanging or under-sink mounting. The 2.1 gallons size holds several days of scraps without a large footprint. Skip it if you need a filter compartment stated in the listing, or if 11.5″H is too tall for your under-sink space.

OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, 0.75 Gal

This is a 0.75 Gal charcoal plastic cylindrical bin for countertop use. The listing states Capacity of 2.83 liters, Product Dimensions of 6.6″L x 6.4″W x 7.5″H, and Item Weight of 1.2 pounds. The lid flips up for filling and flips down to lock in odors. Smooth interior walls limit buildup, while the contoured bottom and removable lid ease emptying. A rotating handle helps carry waste to an outdoor composter.

Who it fits: small households or renters who want the smallest, lightest daily caddy to pair with a compost bin out of trash can outdoors. Easy to wash and move. Skip it if 0.75 Gal means daily emptying you will not do, or if you need hanging hardware.

Planning example: matching a collector to a trash-can system

This is our planning estimate to show how bin size changes trips. It does not predict compost speed.

Define the scenario once: a two-person household fills about 0.5 gallons of fruit and vegetable scraps per day. They use a 2.6 gallons indoor collector and empty when it reaches about 2.0 gallons full to leave headspace and avoid spills. They add yard leaves outdoors at roughly equal volume.

Step 1: Daily scrap rate = 0.5 gallons per day.

Step 2: Usable fill per indoor load = 2.0 gallons.

Step 3: Days per indoor fill = 2.0 gallons ÷ 0.5 gallons per day = 4 days. Re-verify: 0.5 × 4 = 2.0, correct.

Step 4: Empties per 28 days = 28 days ÷ 4 days per fill = 7 empties. Re-verify: 7 × 4 = 28, correct.

Step 5: Indoor volume carried per 28 days = 7 empties × 2.0 gallons = 14.0 gallons. Re-verify: 7 × 2 = 14, correct.

Step 6: With roughly equal leaves added outdoors, total fresh input ≈ 14.0 gallons + 14.0 gallons = 28.0 gallons. Re-verify: 14 + 14 = 28, correct.

What this changes: with a 0.75 Gal bin at the same scrap rate, you would empty about every day, or about 28 trips per 28 days. With a 2.6 gallons bin, you make about 7 trips. Choose larger if fewer trips matter. Choose smaller if you prefer lighter carries and more frequent aeration. If scraps smell before day four, empty sooner and check the listing for lid and filter care.

5 common mistakes with a diy compost bin garbage can

1. Using only the indoor bin as the composter

Countertop bins collect scraps. They do not finish compost. Carry scraps to an outdoor drilled trash can or pile with browns such as dry leaves. For pile basics, see Best Way to Make a Compost Pile.

2. Skipping airflow in the outdoor can

A trash can compost bin diy needs air holes and turning. Without air, scraps pack and smell. Follow the maker’s manual for any can you drill, keep the lid secure, and roll or stir as your chosen guide directs.

3. Adding only food scraps

Food scraps are wet and dense. Add dry leaves and woody material from your yard to balance moisture and structure. If the outdoor can drips or smells, add more dry material and empty the indoor caddy more often.

4. Letting the small bin overfill

Overfilling strains lids, bags, and handles. Empty at three-quarters full. Rinse with soapy water as the listing directs. One listing says wipe with cloth. Another says wash with soap and water with no crevices for buildup. Do not put a bin in the dishwasher unless the listing states dishwasher safe.

5. Ignoring fit and placement

Measure cabinet thickness and under-sink height. Hanging listings limit door thickness to under 1 inch or ≤ 0.95 inch. Confirm hook strength, adhesive surface prep, and clearance for the lid to flip or slide. A bin that cannot open fully will spill.

Care and odor control from listed features

Empty every two to four days in warm weather. Rinse the inner bucket, wipe seals, and dry before relining. Replace carbon or charcoal filters on the schedule the listing states. One listing notes each filter lasts 3–6 months with proper care. If your model has no filter, rely on a tight lid and frequent emptying.

Keep the outdoor trash can on soil or a drained base if your local rules allow. Secure the lid against wind and animals. Do not add pesticide-treated material beyond label directions, and do not give plant-disease advice here. When in doubt, check the product listing and your city compost rules.

FAQ

How does a compost bin diy trash can work?

You drill air holes in an outdoor trash can, add food scraps plus dry leaves and yard material, then stir or roll for air. A small indoor bin holds daily scraps between trips outside. Start with kitchen scraps and yard leaves, as described in the sources.

What size indoor bin feeds a trash can compost bin diy?

For one or two cooks, 0.75 Gal to 1.3 gallons works with emptying every one to three days. For daily produce prep, 2 gallons to 3.2 gallons cuts trips. Match Item Dimensions L x W x H in inches to your counter or cabinet.

Do I need a charcoal filter?

Not always. Some listings include activated-charcoal or carbon filters. Others use a tight lid with Odor Seal and state no filter is needed. Filters help in small kitchens but need replacement. Check the listing for what is included.

Can I hang a compost collector under the sink?

Many models here list hanging, adhesive-mounted, or freestanding use with hooks included. Confirm door thickness limits such as under 1 inch or ≤ 0.95 inch and confirm clearance for the lid. Measure height in inches first.

How do I keep fruit flies down?

Use a lid that closes fully, empty every few days, wipe the rim, and keep bags secured with the retaining ring. Filter models add odor control. No-filter models depend on the seal and frequent emptying.

What should I not put in a trash-can composter?

This guide does not give pesticide or disease advice. In general, follow your city rules and any manual for the outdoor can. Food scraps plus dry yard leaves are the base inputs noted in the sources. Avoid overloading liquids that pool at the bottom.

How do I clean these small bins?

Follow the listing. Most say wipe or wash with soap and water and air dry. One listing says not suitable for dishwashers. One states dishwasher safe and BPA free. Removable inner buckets make rinsing faster.

When should I choose pallets or a tumbler instead?

If you have space and yard waste volume, pallets hold more bulk. See Best Diy Compost Bin Out of Pallets. If you want faster turning in a small yard, learn rotating drums in Best Rotating Compost Bin How to Use.

Bottom line

Choose bin size by trips you will actually make. Choose a 0.75 Gal or 1.3 gallons countertop model if you want light daily carries. Choose a 2.1 gallons to 3.2 gallons hanging model if you want several days of storage and fewer walks to the yard. Confirm dimensions in inches, door thickness limits, lid type, and filter needs on the listing before you buy, then pair the collector with an aerated outdoor trash can and yard leaves for steady composting.

Sources

• EPA Composting at Home: what to compost at home, landfill reduction and soil water benefits