A countertop compost bin is a great investment for any kitchen. Separating organic waste materials from your regular garbage, you create a nutrient-dense soil over time that can be utilized in several ways.
- Mulch.
- Potting soil.
- To feed spring bulbs.
- To feed fall perennials.
- To spread on your lawn.
- To feed your garden bed.
The unfortunate drawback is that even a high-quality bin like the OXO compost bin can stink in time. Most people expect it. That’s somewhat wrong though. Compost in the kitchen – done correctly – shouldn’t stink. Not ever.
Should My Indoor Compost Bin Stink?
When there’s compost outside, you’ll notice it smells earthy. Compost indoors, however, is generally kept in some fairly small containers. It won’t have a chance to build up and smell. It shouldn’t, at least.
The key to minimizing the smell of a compost bin is to ensure you get your compost bin ratio correct. There is green waste, i.e. organic waste. Then there is brown waste, i.e. newspaper or brown paper bags. The ratio you want to achieve is 1:3 in favor of brown waste. This helps to absorb smells and ensure things don’t build up to unmanageable levels.
What Can I Do To Prevent A Compost Bin From Smelling?
- Use a liner. Do not simply put green waste into the bin. Ideally, you want to use a garbage bag or something similar to prevent the buildup of bacteria on the inside as you empty and refill.
- Add newspaper or shredded toilet paper rolls to the bottom. This will prevent what’s entered into your compost bin from becoming too wet.
- Empty every 3-4 days. Decomposition for most organic foods begins after 72 hours. This means it will start to smell like sewage sometime around that time. Empty it before it happens. Depending on the time of year, where you’re living, and where your compost bin is positioned, this could mean emptying it every two days, three days, or four days at the latest.
- Wash your bin after every use with a water-and-vinegar mix or soapy water. Also, an occasional deep-clean with bleach or a similar product, letting it air-dry outside afterward can also make a noticeable difference.
It might sound like a lot of work but it’s really not once you get into the habit of emptying the compost bin just like you would your regular garbage bin. This allows you to compose without conflict, minimizing the waste you put out into the environment and utilizing the waste you do have to put back into your landscaping, garden, or lawn.
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