Aldi Quietly Introduced a Crofton Mini Countertop Compost Bin

Last Updated on July 9, 2023

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EDITOR’S NOTE: We sometimes hear from readers whose compost bins did not come with advertised filters. We recommend contacting Aldi if you want to get your missing filters, but keep in mind that filters are not necessary with most countertop compost bins. If you regularly empty your countertop bin into your larger outdoor bin, you should not have issues with odors or insects, and you will save money not having to purchase additional filters from other retailers. 

During the past two 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.

To the best of our knowledge at Aldi Reviewer, this is not a product that Aldi advertised. It just quietly appeared on store shelves. We’re speculating that it’s possible that because of shipping delays most retailers are experiencing these days, Aldi may not be actively advertising some of its specials.

Here’s what we know about this little countertop compost bin.

What We Know:

The Crofton Mini Countertop Compost Bin cost $8.99 at the time of publication. 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.)

Here’s more information on the bin:

• 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
• Available in gray or white
• Made in China

When you open it up, it contains rolled-up compost bags and looks like this:

Inside the 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 this mini compost bin indicates 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.