Last Updated on September 7, 2024
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EDITOR’S NOTE 1: Updated for 2024.
EDITOR’S NOTE 2: We’ve heard from readers whose compost bins did not come with advertised filters. We recommend contacting Aldi if you want to get your missing filters, but filters are not really necessary with most countertop compost bins.
If you regularly empty your countertop bin into your larger outdoor bin, you should not deal with odors or insects, and you will save money not purchasing replacement filters from other retailers.
During the past few years, usually during the spring, Aldi has sold a one-gallon ceramic countertop compost bin. I bought one last year that has served me well, providing a convenient spot to collect small bits of compost material until I’m ready to put it in my large outdoor bin. Composting helps keep waste out of landfills, and it makes a great nutrient-rich addition to your garden or a good top dressing for your lawn.
During my weekly Aldi shopping trip the other day, I noticed Aldi is selling another countertop compost bin for a limited time. This one is plastic instead of ceramic (good for people worried about dropping the bin) and is smaller than the original ceramic bin.
The 2021 model.
Here’s what we know about this little countertop compost bin.
What We Know:
The 2021 model.
The Crofton Mini Countertop Compost Bin cost $9.99 in September of 2024. That’s $1 more than it cost in 2021. You won’t find many countertop compost bins at that price.
This is an Aldi Find, which means it’s only in stores for a short time. (And you can’t order it online from Aldi once it sells out at your local store.)
Aldi has not yet shared details about the 2024 bin, but here’s what we know about the 2021 bin. I expect the latest model to be similar.
- Fits on your countertop so it’s close at hand and odor-free
- Store your compost material in this bin, then transport it to your outdoor bin
- Fits standard-sized compost bags
- Comes with 50 compost bags
- Features a 91-ounce capacity (2.7 liters)
- BPA free
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in China
The 2024 bin is available in black or white.
When you opened up previous models of this bin, it contained rolled-up compost bags and looked like this:
Inside the 2021 bin.
If you’re new to composting, the purpose of a small countertop bin like this is to provide a spot to collect materials until you’re ready to put them in your outdoor bin. This way, you’re not running outside to your large bin every time you have a tea bag, an orange or banana peel, coffee grounds, or some other small item to add. Whatever you do, don’t buy a small countertop bin like this and expect to compost only in it. You have to have an outdoor bin as well.
You can empty the smaller bin every day or every couple of days, depending on how full it is and whether things are odorous. This bin does not appear to have a filter like the ceramic countertop compost bins Aldi has previously sold, but I find filters to be kind of annoying (they mold quickly), and not always necessary. (I don’t use a filter in my ceramic bin.)
The packaging for the 2021 mini compost bin indicated the included bags may only be compostable in a commercial facility, which means if you toss them in your backyard bin they’re not really going to break down. I find bags to be unnecessary. I simply drop scraps directly into my countertop bin, and then take it out to my larger outdoor bin when it needs to be emptied. Afterward I give the countertop bin a good rinse and wash it out in the kitchen sink.
Here are examples of what you can compost:
- Fruits and vegetables (especially peels, ends, etc.)
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags
- Shredded newspaper
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Yard/Grass trimmings
- House plants
- Leaves
- Hair and fur
Do not compost dairy or meat products or pet waste, as these can attract pests and make your pile smell bad.
If you want more information about getting started with composting, you can view our post at our sister site, A Well Advised Life.
What We Don’t Know:
I didn’t purchase this compost bin because I already own a larger countertop bin, so I can’t speak to how well it works, how durable it is, or how easy it is to use. Our goal with posts like this is to a offer a place for people to share about their experiences with a product.
Do you have experience with the Crofton Mini Countertop Compost Bin? Share your thoughts in the comments.
I love this bin! It’s small and I love the button activated lid, which makes it easier to open when your hands are messy.
Where can I find the compostable bags for the Croft on bin?
If you want additional bags, you should be able to use any kind of compostable bag such as what you might find on Amazon, etc.
How is this better than a plastic tub? Does it not smell when you make a second deposit?
Where can I find the compostable bags for the Crofton Countertop mini ben
You really don’t need bags for the bin, but if you want them you can find several options on Amazon.
Amazon
I love this compost bin! I had been using small bowls and emtying every day but I could smell it. The bin keeps the smells under cover. I love the easy release button!! A good find that I wasn’t expecting and reasonably priced!
I really like this small compost bin. It’s easy to open and close, easy to clean, and the size is perfect for its spot next to the kitchen sink. I have a larger compost bin as well, but I like this one much better because of its quick-open feature. I don’t use the plastic bags as I find them unnecessary. I’d buy more of these for gifts if I could find them again!
I have this bin. I was so excited to get something so small to use in our cabin. BUT….. If you use bags (I have lavender scented biodegradable bags) with it, you are going to spend more time cleaning it out and cleaning up your kitchen after having the bag completely rip open due to the little “lip” on the front edge.
SO, the solution is to either use bags and only fill them about a third full so you can use your hand to guild the bag out, or not use a bag and basically go back to using a plain bowl to carry your refuse out to the compost bin.
Using bags in these types of countertop compost bins is really not necessary. Just squirt a little dish soap into the bin and give it a thorough rinsing after you empty it into your larger bin.
I recently purchused my on the counter compost bin, I love it!
It says there a extra filter included but there was not. I would like to get one that was supposed to be included.
We’d recommend taking it back to Aldi and exchanging it for a bin that has all the filters, or you could try contacting Aldi: https://www.aldireviewer.com/contact-aldi/
Although if you’re regularly emptying your smaller countertop bin into your larger outdoor bin, you shouldn’t really have a problem with odors or a need for filters. I’ve been composting for years and don’t use filters.
I recently purchased the Crofton Countertop Compost Bin. The ad said it contained a second filter, but it was not included. I am pleased with the size and shape and have high hopes for this product. Just curious about the additional filter. Thank you
Someone else asked about this just above in the comments. It looks like a missing filter may be a common problem with this year’s countertop bins. However, you really don’t need to use filters in countertop compost bins. If you empty it into your larger outdoor bin regularly, you should not have problems with odors or insects. If you still want the extra advertised filter, though, we’d recommend contacting Aldi: https://www.aldi.us/en/contact/