Become a pro in one week

Starting a kitchen compost routine is one of the single most impactful things you can do for the planet. But we get it—nobody wants a smelly kitchen or a fruit fly circus. The secret to success isn't just "throwing things in a bin"; it’s about the system you build.

Here are our top four tips to help you manage your scraps like a pro and maximize the "black gold" you’re diverting from the waste stream.

Kitchen compost bowl with vegetable scraps and eggshells on a wooden countertop near a wicker basket with banana, avocado, and greens.

Choose the Right "In Between" Bin

You shouldn't be running to your large green curbside bin every time you peel a carrot. You need a countertop or under-sink companion. The goal is a bin that is easy to wash, provides air circulation, and has a lid. Find these options below on Amazon by clicking the image.

Pro Tip: Eliminate counter top clutter by storing in the sink, under the sink, in the freezer, or mounting to a cabinet door.

The Stainless Steel Classic:
A 1-gallon stainless steel bin with a charcoal filter in the lid are durable, don't absorb smells, provides filtered air circulation and look great on the counter.

Stainless steel compost bin for kitchen with built-in filters and a red tag that reads 'Compost bin for your kitchen.'

The "Easy-Wash" Plastic:
A simple plastic bin with a flip-top lid is often the most practical. Look for one that is dishwasher safe so you can easily clean it.

Small rectangular mint green compost bin with a matching lid and dark gray handle.

White compact, rectangular compost bin with a handle and hinged lid.

Compact white appliance with black top and base, likely a kitchen gadget or small household device.

The Freezer Method:
If you are tight on space or very sensitive to smells, use a certified compostable bag or a simple plastic container and keep it in your freezer. This stops decomposition entirely until you're ready to empty it.

Light green rectangular freezer storage bin with a black handle on the front.

A Note on Bin Liners
We require the food scraps within the curbside bin be within a liner to ensure the contents empty from the bin and to minimize mess. You can do this by lining your curbside bin with a brown paper bag or certified compostable bag, or lining your kitchen container with certified compostable bags. You don't need to line both.

Hand squeezing liquid from a used tea bag over a sink.

Managing Scraps

The biggest cause of "ick" in a kitchen bin is too much moisture and lack of air flow. To keep things clean and easy to manage:

Drain the liquids: Don't pour soup or heavy liquids into your compost. Strain your scraps before they go in the bin.
Line your bin: Use BPI-certified compostable liners (available in our online shop). They make the transfer to the curbside bin mess-free.
Add "Carbon": If your bin looks a bit soggy, throw in a handful of shredded napkins. This balances the moisture and prevents odors.

Check out our Bin Maintenance Tips for other helpful resources, including pest management.

Maximize Impact

Did you know we accept more compostable material than any other form of composting (think backyard bin, electronic "compost" machine, or anerobic digester). To maximize your waste diversion, start including:

Soiled Paper or Compostable Products: We accept food soiled napkins (no bodily fluids or chemicals) and certified compostable serviceware.
The "Hair & Lint" Sweep: Hair from your hairbrush, pet fur, and even dryer lint from 100% natural fabrics (cotton, wool, linen) are all compostable.
Dense Material: Like bones, pits, wooden skewers, and wooden toothpicks can all go in.

What's Compostable

Shop Compostable Serviceware

Plate with three cooked chicken drumsticks on a paper towel on a wooden kitchen countertop next to a cutting board with vegetable peels and a basket of fruits and greens in the background.

Add On More Sustainable Services

Green compost bin labeled 'Black Earth Compost' next to a white plastic bag and a large brown paper yard waste bag with 'Black Earth' sticker.

Textile & Yard Waste Recycling

Add on to your regular compost pick up with a Black Earth Compost sticker, available in your account.

Woman placing a bag of recyclable materials on a front porch with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.

Collection of Hard to Recycle Materials

Meet CHaRM! Our new program to recycle your electronics, plastic film, textiles, and donations from your doorstep.

Wooden raised garden bed filled with healthy green vegetable plants and dark soil in a backyard.

Grow Food with a
Raised Bed

All you need is a sunny location. Our deep beds and rich soil provide the ideal growing medium.

Black Earth Compost dashboard showing a payment method alert and navigation options including Shop, Tip your Driver, Report Missed Pickup, Service Calendar, and Customer Support.

Your Online Account Hub

Did you know your Black Earth account is more than just a place to pay your bill? It’s a resource hub designed to help you succeed. Log in to:

Order Bin Liners: Get BPI-certified bags delivered right to your door so you never run out.
Track Your Impact: See how many pounds of waste you’ve diverted from the landfill.
Report a missed pick up: this is the most effective way to let us know
Redeem Your Finished Compost: Depending on your service area, you can use your account to coordinate your "compost return"—getting that nutrient-rich soil back for your own garden! Vouchers are posted to your account in the Spring.
And so much more

Top 4 Kitchen Composting Tips

Become a pro in one week

Choose The Right "In Between" Bin

Managing Scraps

Maximize Your Impact

Your Online Account

Choose the Right "In Between" Bin

Managing Scraps