The Best Place To Hide A Compost Bin In Your Kitchen To Save Space

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If you want to start composting but don't have a big yard, you can still compost without outdoor space. Even then, you might feel like your kitchen is too small to make it work, and you're not alone. Compost bins are amazing for reducing waste and boosting your garden or houseplants, but they're not always the most attractive or space-friendly additions to your kitchen. Between the clunky container taking up half your counter and the occasional smells and fruit flies, it's easy to give up before you even really get your compost going. Plus, sometimes it's just plain gross to look at.

The good news is, there's a super simple and affordable way to make composting fit right into your everyday routine without sacrificing your counter space. All you need is a small hanging compost bin or mini trash can that is easy to put away. Tuck it under your sink, and you have a hidden spot for all those veggie peels and coffee grounds. These sleek little bins usually come with a hook or adhesive strip, so you can attach them to an inner surface of your cabinet. They're designed for accessibility while remaining totally out of sight. You don't have to drill into your cabinets or build anything complicated. The LALASTAR hanging compost bin has everything you need to get started putting food scraps straight into the compost, but you can find similar models that might fit your needs even better. 

Once you've got your compost bin picked out, it's time to find the perfect spot to stash it. Depending on the setup of your kitchen, you can tuck it under your sink or mount it to the inside of a cabinet door for easy access. Think about where you generate most of your food waste, and find a spot close to that area to make it easier to use. Also, consider what else you store in that cabinet area and how much space you have available to use. A lot of compost or trash bins can be installed on your cabinet wall with screws or a removable adhesive pad. The adhesive pad is perfect for renters who don't want to commit to permanent hardware.

Once your bin is mounted, you can simply scrape food scraps into it as you prep or cook — no lingering smells, no countertop clutter, and no more awkward containers sitting by the trash can. If you prefer not to mount it, a sliding model, like the Rev-A-Shelf pull-out compost bin, is also an option. Whichever option you choose, you can enjoy the biggest benefits of composting at home without losing kitchen countertop space.

If you're tired of your waste being in separate places, consider creating a dedicated waste station to take your kitchen organization to the next level. This hidden composting bin idea features sections for trash, recycling, and compost — all tucked neatly behind a single cabinet door. It's a bit more of an investment, but it's worth it if you want a super organized space.

Start by measuring the inside of your cabinet or under your sink to make sure you've got room. Then, choose between buying a sliding pull-out system with built-in compartments or DIYing your own by using three smaller bins that sit next to each other. The key is dedicating a specific smaller compartment just for compost, while the larger sections handle your regular waste and recyclables. To make it easy to remember which is which, you can label each section and pick a specific color for each bin. This setup is perfect for small homes where space is limited, but sustainability is a priority. With all three waste streams in one place, you'll reduce your landfill contributions without having bins all over the place. Plus, it just feels so satisfying to open one cabinet and see everything organized while knowing you're making your own DIY compost right in your kitchen.