Composter vs. compost bin: what’s the difference?
Organic waste is biodegradable. They can therefore be reused by producing fertilizer or biogas. To do this, they must first be collected. We therefore place peelings, coffee grounds, egg shells or leftover meals in a compost bucket (also called a compost bin or bin), before depositing them in a collector.
Individuals can, however, choose to make their own compost. There are two options for this:
- The composter – a bin located outside into which organic waste is poured directly;
- The worm composter, suitable for indoor use, which contains worms that feed on waste to transform it into compost.
How to choose the right composter?
To choose your composter, you must take into account an essential criterion: the quantity of organic waste that you produce. Organic waste decomposes quickly – a process that releases heat and is accompanied by bad odors and the appearance of insects. You must take this into account when choosing your compost bin!
It is generally recommended to favor a metal model, as plastic models tend to deform in the medium term. Make sure you choose a compost bin with a lid that closes well and a filter to prevent bad odors. Finally, think about the location of your composter: for example, there are models that can fit in a kitchen drawer.
Compulsory compost: 5 designer solutions to shop
The design of the compost bucket therefore sets it apart from other sorting bins in the kitchen. And the good news is that there are very aesthetic models that fit into the kitchen without ruining the decor!
The Stack 4 trash can from Joseph Joseph has a very sober contemporary look. It is available in different colors, including a very trendy ice blue. It has an odor filter incorporated into the lid, and it has a stainless steel carrying handle. This 4L model can be used individually or combined with the Stack recycling system, allowing items to be stacked to save space in the kitchen. The Stack 4 is intended for use with biodegradable trash bags.
The Pebbly compost bucket is available in two sizes: 3.5L and 7L. This bucket benefits from a sustainable design, since it is made of steel and bamboo. This two-material look gives it a very versatile character: it finds its place perfectly in the minimalist kitchen, as in the Scandinavian kitchen. For a perfect match with your decor, you also have the choice between different colors.
The Henry house is known for its ceramic utensils and, in particular, these casseroles and oven dishes. With its compost bucket, it creates an original and functional piece. Made of ceramic, this 4L model has the advantage of being durable, since it does not oxidize, does not rust, and does not deform. Equipped with a large water-repellent rope handle and a pouring rim, it is both practical and elegant. And a nice little extra: it’s even dishwasher safe.
Fans of high-tech cooking should not remain indifferent to Freezyboy, an alternative to the classic compost bucket. This new generation trash can consists of a bin with minimalist lines, which can be placed on the ground or placed in a drawer, and a removable basket allowing the waste to be transferred to the collector or to your composter. This model has the particularity of being electric, and of maintaining your waste at -5°C. This blocks the decomposition process, to prevent the appearance of insects and bad odors.
What if sorting waste was an opportunity to invite nature into the kitchen? The Ceercle composting vegetable garden is an artisanal terracotta model which is very decorative in itself. It is made up of different elements: a base, a composter floor and a vegetable garden floor. This composter can be installed indoors or on the balcony. And if you don’t want to run to the garden centers, the brand offers a box containing seasonal organic plants.