Better Looking Than Bins: The Costco Alternative For Making Compost That Holds 111 Gallons

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There are many practices that can make your home more eco-friendly, but some are far more accessible than others. One worthwhile habit — especially for those who love having good gardening soil — that's easy to get into is composting kitchen scraps, which converts waste into a nutrient-dense byproduct. While some compost bins can be somewhat of an eyesore in your yard, Costco's Aerobin Composter blends in well while holding plenty of compost.

Retailing for $380, the 111-gallon Aerobin Composter is designed with a simple aesthetic: straight lines and a green and black exterior, meaning that it will blend rather seamlessly into your yard. An internal lung system helps improve air circulation and reduce odors, which is particularly helpful for individuals with plentiful pests around their property. Unlike basic composters, this one also filters out rich compost leachate, a liquid byproduct of the decomposition process, for your use as a fertilizer tea that can nourish your garden. The Aerobin is also excellent at retaining heat due to its insulation, which helps it compost faster than standard models (the company claims up to 20 times faster). There's also a 55-gallon model for people with a smaller yard or a lower volume of food scraps.

At the time of writing, the Aerobin has earned a 3.9-star average from more than 1,000 reviews. Customers praise the product for the high-quality compost it produces and the minimal effort required. One 5-star review on Costco's website states: "It comes out the bottom door black, rich and it smells wonderful. I'm back on this site to consider purchasing a second one. Here comes leaf season and my existing unit may be too full and I want loads of compost next spring."

While the Aerobin eliminates a great deal of the effort that comes with a more basic compost setup, there are still some tips that will help ensure a successful composting experience. It is important to place it on a level surface to prevent the bin from becoming unstable, as well as a spot that is off of the ground for easier leachate extraction and to reduce the risk of pests digging underneath the bin. Since a full Aerobin Composter can be very heavy, using several solid pavers to create a generously-sized base is a sturdy, affordable, and easy-to-implement option.

When it comes to choosing a spot to install your Aerobin, it's best to avoid positioning it too close to your house. While this product does a good job of containing the smell of decaying fruits, vegetables, eggshells, and other organic material, keen-scented pests can nevertheless be drawn to it. A far back corner of the yard is a good option. If you'll be transporting the compost to a garden bed that's a good distance from the Aerobin, make sure you use a wheelbarrow to aid in the process. If you're new to composting, it's essential to keep in mind what you should and should not add to your compost — meat and dairy, for example, are a no-go. Finally, for apartment dwellers who don't have outdoor space to compost, you can still embark on an indoor composting journey with a smaller bin than the Aerobin, which can yield some good soil for your houseplants.