All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
So you want to reduce your food waste?
Flavia Morlachetti via Getty Images
Youve come to the right place.
Well get you paired with the best composter for your space and lifestyle.
As an aside, we know thatfighting climate changehas almost nothing to do with personal responsibility.
Its going to take radical transformation from governments, fossil-fueled companies, and lobbyists.
What is composting?
Composting some of what you dont use is an easy way to fight your individual waste.
So not only are you committing to sustainability but community care too.
For more advice about composting and how to get started, read ourcomposting guide.
What should you look for when buying a compost bin?
When it comes to finding the best composter, first you have to narrow down your options.
Worm compost bins are also used indoors and are pretty hands-off once you set them up.
They produce finished compost quickly, using less energy than electric composting machines.
They should also be easy to clean with minimal nooks and crannies, and some are dishwasher safe too.
Youll often need biodegradable bags to line the composters.
If you have outdoor space, use it!
You wont have to deal with potential odors or pesky fruit flies that sometimes come around.
Below, we broke down (wink) 17 of the best composter options for you to peruse.
Some of the compost bins are intended for small spaces, others are ideal for large yards.
Youll also find theSELF-approved Lomi composter, which literally does all the dirty work for you.
Youre on your way to nutrient-rich soil and a lot less food wastecheers!
The machine breaks down your food scraps using heat, abrasion, and oxygen.
It has three compost modes that range in duration, from three hours all the way to 24 hours.
Its ideal for beginners or folks who have no interest in the upkeep that some compost bins require.
It has a vented lid and a carbon filter, and its both dishwasher and freezer-safe.
Its the ideal size for a small apartment.
Its design holds compostable bags inside for a cleaner look, and the lid comes off for easy emptying.
(When its unplugged, though, it’s possible for you to stash it anywhere.)
Plus the internal bucket is dishwasher-friendly, and the machine comes with carbon filters to nix any garbage-y smells.
Its a bit bigger than other countertop bins, with 1.5-gallon capacity.
(you’re free to read more about Package Freehere.)
It has space for replaceable filters too, plus a sturdy stainless steel handle.
worm composting), huh?
To do it, you have to bring worms into your home.
Specifically red wigglers, which dont wiggle around and wont escape.
All worm composters come with instructions to help you set them up, so dont fret.
This kind of composting is hands-off and doesnt use a lot of electricity like the Lomi or Vitamix.
Just know that worms are a bit pickier than other composters, and they dont have a large capacity.
But that means your food scraps will be broken down before you know itwith almost zero energy output.
If youre a composting pro, this is a great option, as its the largest vermicomposter we found.
This circulates air into the compost and speeds up the breakdown process.
Youll notice that most outdoor composters are black with vents, which helps them retain heat and circulate air.
It has a dual chamber system so you could always be adding new compost in while one side finishes.
Like we said before, getting oxygen mixed in with organic material helps it break down more quickly.
