Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full affiliate disclaimer here.
A countertop compost bin, also called a food-scrap caddy, gives you a convenient place to collect vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea leaves and other suitable food scraps before transferring them to a composting or food-waste collection system. The right choice depends on how much food waste you collect, how often you empty it, the space available in your kitchen and how you prefer to manage odours.
This guide compares four food-scrap caddies with different designs: a detachable caddy with a magnetic dock, a flexible collector that can be stored in the freezer, a larger 6.62-litre bin, and a 4-litre caddy with ventilation and a replaceable odour filter.
Important: EcoAwareLiving has not personally tested these products. This comparison is based on manufacturer product information and published specifications, not hands-on testing. Features, prices, colours, stock and delivery options can vary by retailer and country, so check the current listing before buying.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best suited to | Capacity | Notable feature | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman Compost Caddy | A tidy kitchen setup with a dedicated docking point | 4 L | Magnetic dock; detachable caddy and lid | Check the product instructions |
| Full Circle Scrap Happy Food Scrap Collector | Collecting scraps for freezer storage | 0.6 US gal (manufacturer states 2.23 L; approximately 2.27 L by conversion) | Flexible silicone body and a rim that hooks over a drawer or cabinet door | Top-rack dishwasher-safe, according to the manufacturer |
| OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, 6.62 L | Larger daily food-scrap collection | 1.75 US gal (6.62 L) | Lid stays open during prep; removable lid; bag-hiding design | Check the current listing and care instructions |
| Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Stack 4 | A compact 4 L caddy with odour filtration | 4 L | Ventilated design, replaceable odour filter and flip-top lid | Check the current listing and care instructions |
Specifications are based on the supplied Amazon listings and manufacturer information where available. Full Circle lists 0.6 US gal and its manufacturer states 2.23 L; 0.6 US gal converts to approximately 2.27 L. The OXO listing supplied for this comparison is the larger 6.62 L / 1.75 US gal version, not the smaller 0.75 US gal model also sold under a similar name. Check the current listing for the exact variant and care instructions.
1. simplehuman Compost Caddy – best for an integrated kitchen setup
The simplehuman Compost Caddy has a 4-litre capacity and is designed to detach from its magnetic docking point for use on a worktop. The manufacturer says the dock can hold the lid open while you scrape and peel, then lets you return the caddy to its storage position. Its detachable lid and smooth inner bucket are designed to make emptying and rinsing easier.
Why consider it
- Magnetic docking system for keeping the caddy in a regular place.
- Detaches for food preparation and cleanup.
- 4-litre capacity.
- The manufacturer lists a five-year warranty; confirm that it applies to the exact listing and destination market.
Things to consider
- The docking system is most useful if you have a compatible place to attach it; consider where the caddy will sit in your kitchen.
- Replacement liners may add an ongoing cost, and compatible liner availability can vary by region.
- A stated odour-control feature is not a guarantee that all food scraps will remain odour-free. Empty and clean the caddy regularly.
Check the simplehuman Compost Caddy on Amazon
2. Full Circle Scrap Happy Food Scrap Collector – best for freezer storage
The Full Circle Scrap Happy Food Scrap Collector is a flexible food-scrap container that can hook over a drawer or cabinet door while you prepare food. Its Amazon listing gives the capacity as 0.6 US gallon; the manufacturer states 2.23 litres (approximately 2.27 litres by conversion from 0.6 US gallon). The body is silicone with a metal rim. It can be turned inside out to help empty it, and the manufacturer says it is safe for the top rack of a dishwasher.
This model is also designed to let you store collected scraps in the freezer until you are ready to transfer them to an appropriate food-waste collection or composting system. Freezer storage may be useful if you do not want to keep scraps sitting on the counter, but it still depends on having enough freezer space and following your local food-waste collection rules.
Why consider it
- Flexible body that can be turned inside out for emptying.
- Rim designed to hang over a drawer or cabinet door during food preparation.
- 0.6 US-gallon capacity (manufacturer-stated 2.23 litres).
- Manufacturer states that it is top-rack dishwasher-safe.
Things to consider
- Its capacity is smaller than the 4-litre options in this comparison.
- It needs suitable drawer or cabinet edges when used as a hanging collector.
- Check that freezer storage suits your household routine and the collection system available where you live.
Check the Full Circle Scrap Happy Food Scrap Collector on Amazon
3. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, 6.62 L – best for larger households
The specific OXO listing linked here is the larger 1.75-US-gallon (6.62-litre) version. The listing describes a grey plastic, oval bin with a lid that stays open during food preparation, a removable lid for emptying, and a design that keeps the edges of a compost bag tucked inside. This is a different capacity from the smaller 0.75-US-gallon OXO Easy-Clean model, so make sure the selected listing still matches the linked variant.
Why consider it
- 6.62-litre capacity for households that generate more scraps.
- Lid designed to stay open during food preparation.
- Removable lid and a bag-hiding design.
- Grey plastic construction and oval shape, according to the supplied listing.
Things to consider
- The supplied listing’s dimensions and care instructions should be checked on the live product page before publication; we have not independently confirmed the dimensions.
- At 6.62 litres, it is larger than the 4-litre simplehuman and Joseph Joseph options and may need more counter space.
- Confirm the selected colour and variant before ordering.
Check the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin on Amazon
4. Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Stack 4 – best for odour filtration
The linked product is the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Stack 4 (model 30016), a 4-litre graphite food-waste caddy. The listing describes a ventilated design, a replaceable odour filter in the lid and a flip-top opening. Product specifications also identify a polypropylene body with a stainless-steel handle. This is the Stack 4 model, not the Compo caddy, so the product name and features here have been aligned to the supplied ASIN.
Why consider it
- 4-litre capacity.
- Ventilated design and replaceable odour filter.
- Flip-top lid for adding food scraps.
- Graphite finish, polypropylene body and stainless-steel handle, according to the listing.
Things to consider
- Check the current listing for dimensions and cleaning instructions before buying.
- The linked model is a countertop caddy; do not assume it includes a cupboard-mounting bracket.
Check the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Stack 4 on Amazon
How to choose a countertop food-scrap caddy
Consider capacity and how often you cook
A larger caddy may be convenient if you cook often or generate a lot of peelings and preparation scraps. A smaller option may be easier to empty frequently and may take up less space. Capacity alone does not determine which one is best: consider the amount of food waste you produce and how often you can empty the container.
Decide where you will keep it
Measure your available counter space before choosing a model. A slimline caddy may fit better beside a sink or inside a cupboard, while a detachable model may suit a kitchen with a compatible docking point. If you choose a hanging collector, make sure the rim fits the drawer or cabinet edge where you plan to use it.
Think about cleaning and liners
Check whether the product is hand-wash-only or dishwasher-safe, and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. If you plan to use liners, check which sizes fit and whether replacements are readily available where you live. You can also compare the ongoing cost and local disposal instructions for any liners before deciding.
For a related guide, see Best Compostable Bin Bags.
Manage odours with a routine, not just a lid
A lid or vent can help manage the storage of food scraps, but no caddy can guarantee that odours will never develop. Empty the container regularly, clean it according to the care instructions and consider how warm your kitchen is. If you use a freezer-storage design, make sure it fits your routine and freezer space.
Check the next step for your food scraps
A countertop caddy only collects scraps; it does not turn them into compost by itself. Before buying, check what your local council, municipality, composting service or home composting setup accepts. Accepted materials and rules differ by location, so do not assume every food scrap or liner can go into every collection system.
If you are building a lower-waste routine, you may also like Best Zero-Waste Starter Kits and Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Sprays.
Which countertop compost bin should you choose?
- Choose simplehuman if the magnetic docking system and detachable design fit your kitchen setup.
- Choose Full Circle if you prefer a flexible collector that can be stored in the freezer.
- Choose OXO if you want the larger 6.62-litre version and have room for it on your counter.
- Choose Joseph Joseph if a 4-litre caddy with ventilation and a replaceable odour filter suits your routine.
There is no single best caddy for every household. Match the design to your available space, cleaning preferences, food-scrap volume and the collection system you use.
Frequently asked questions
Does a countertop compost bin make compost?
No. These products are collection containers for food scraps. You still need to transfer the scraps to a suitable home composting setup, community composting service or local food-waste collection scheme.
How often should I empty a food-scrap caddy?
That depends on the amount and type of scraps, the temperature in your kitchen and the container’s design. Empty it regularly and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions rather than relying on a lid or vent alone to prevent odours.
Are compostable liners suitable for every food-waste collection scheme?
No. Acceptance rules vary. Check the instructions for your local council, municipality, composting provider or home composting system before using liners. A liner described as compostable is not automatically suitable for every composting process.
Should I keep food scraps in the freezer?
Freezer storage can be a practical option for some households, particularly when food-waste collection is not daily. Consider available freezer space and follow the rules of your local collection service. The Full Circle Scrap Happy Food Scrap Collector is specifically designed with freezer storage in mind.