Compost - How to Manage Odor in the Kitchen

Most homeowners don't like to have food scraps sitting on their kitchen counter in a dirty, sticky bowl with fruit flies and giving off a rotten odor. Composting is often avoided for these reasons and forgotten in many homes due to not knowing that there are solutions to keeping it clean, neat, and odor free. Gardeners want to compost their food and yard waste- but the food often goes in the trash or down the garbage disposal. The kitchen counter should be a clean and neat area- so the last thing anyone wants is that stinky container.

Kitchen Compost- How to Educate the Family-

Each person that resides in the home should know what is being composted and where to store it in the kitchen. They should be aware that neatness is important for the success of the recycling mission, as well as to make the process user friendly. See below for links to learn about a Stainless Steel Kitchen compost Pail.

Items that can be composted include:

* fruits and vegetables
* tea bags
* egg shells
* coffee grounds

All these things can be stored in a tightly sealed container and be emptied outside in the compost pile when full. Meat waste should be avoided for the kitchen compost container- as this would create an odor after a few days that would be overwhelming.


Finding one with a tightly fitting cover and a carbon filter for odor elimination would be the best choice. To start- try the free method and use a large plastic tub with a tight fitting cover. It is helpful to obtain several of these so they can be popped in the dishwasher when they get dirty. Many times this option works for a kitchen with only one cook- but a larger kitchen with many cooks will need a larger container that is specially designed for kitchen compost. Attractive pails with a decorative finish and with charcoal filters for the odor are available online. (see links below for suggested option.

Having the appropriate counter top container for the compost is how to manage odor as well as any unpleasant issues that may arise from collecting food waste for the garden. Some points to remember: Food will attract insects if not covered tightly. Food will smell- so either keep it covered tightly and empty the container often or purchase a kitchen compost pail that has charcoal filters to eliminate odors. Most consumers who reviewed the stainless steel model suggested below gave a 5 star rating. It is attractive, effective, and durable. (It will probably last a lifetime).