Waste Not With A DIY Kitchen Compost Bin

Don’t let your kitchen waste go to waste – make this easy DIY kitchen compost bin.

Coffee, eggs and toast may sound like breakfast to you, but did you know these materials can feed your garden, too?

/
play speed icon
0.75
1
1.25

With this DIY kitchen compost bin, you can reduce your household waste – like egg shells, coffee grounds and stale bread – and give a nutritional boost to your garden at the same time.

Follow our simple directions to create a compost bin that can turn everyday waste into fertile soil for your garden or indoor plants.

Materials

  • Sealable container
  • Drill
  • ¼-inch drill bit
  • Charcoal air filter (optional)
  • Tape or glue
  • Scissors
  • Decorative scrapbook paper

Instructions:

  1. Locate a sealable container you can use as a kitchen compost bin. Coffee containers, metal tins, plastic ice cream containers and small buckets all make great options
  2. Clean out your container with Dawn Ultra Dish Soap and water
  3. Use your drill and ¼-inch drill bit to create a series of holes in the lid of the container to allow air to circulate

Tip: Worried about odors? Emptying your bin weekly into a larger outdoor compost bin will keep stinky smells to a minimum, but you can also add a charcoal air filter from a home and garden store to the lid – just make sure it’s large enough to cover the holes.

  1. Measure the height and circumference of your container, and use scissors to cut scrapbook paper to the appropriate dimensions. Wrap the scrapbook paper around the container and glue or tape in place
  2. Store your compost bin somewhere you’ll remember to fill it, like under the kitchen sink or in a closet, cabinet, pantry or garage. Every other day, give it a shake or a stir to help circulate air

Filling your compost bin

Almost anything that will break down can be used for compost, but exceptions include meat, fish, dairy and cooked foods. Items like coffee grounds, grass clippings and fruit and vegetable scraps will decompose faster, so try pairing them with items that break down more slowly, like newspaper or toilet paper tubes, to assist with the natural composting process.

Best materials for compost

  • Flowers
  • Leaves
  • Paper towel rolls
  • Egg shells
  • Nut shells
  • Seafood shells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Lint
  • Pencil shavings
  • Old spices
  • Stale bread
  • Tea bags and grounds
  • Pet hair
  • Fruit and vegetable peels
  • Shredded paper: napkins, mail, tissues, newspaper and paper towels

How to use your compost

  • Freshen up the Garden: From flowers to shrubs, mix your compost into the soil that surrounds the base of plants in your garden
  • Feed Houseplants: Provide a fresh dose of nutrients for houseplants by blending compost into the top 1-2 inches of soil. Flower boxes, hanging flowers and patio plants can also benefit
  • Host a Party: Gather friends for a planting party and catch up while potting seeds in your new soil

Related Articles

What is PVA & why is it used in your Laundry PODs | In the Home

Curious about PVA & its safety? Learn all about this water soluble film, its uses, biodegradability & role as sustainable packaging material for laundry pods.

The Essential Cleaning Supply List

Your home will only be as clean as the tools and supplies you choose. Our essential cleaning supply list will put you on the fast-track to a sparkling home without breaking the bank (or filling your space up with things you don’t need).

How to Organize Your Pantry in 7 Simple Steps and Reduce Chaos

Organizing your pantry will make your kitchen feel fresh and could even inspire you to cook more.

How Often Do You REALLY Need to Vacuum?

You may know how to vacuum your home, but how often should you actually be vacuuming? We’ve got everything you need to know in this helpful primer.

How Long Does It Take To Build Better Habits?

Building better cleaning habits is an achievable goal with benefits that go well beyond sparkling floors and a tidier bathroom.

A Realistic House Cleaning Schedule

A realistic house cleaning schedule, built specifically around your household and needs, can be the key to a cleaner home, more equal distribution of chores, and more time relaxing on the couch.

How to Make Your Home Sparkle this Spring with Dish Soap

Go Clean Co’s Sarah McAllister uses Dawn for easy spring cleaning — all over the house.

How To Clean Countertops (Marble, Quartz, Butcher Block, Laminate)

An easy-to-follow guide to cleaning your marble, quartz, concrete, butcher block, laminate, or stainless steel countertops—learn how to keep your countertops clean.