People are figuring all sorts of ways to configure their kitchens to make composting easy. Take a look at the methods below, plus scroll down to see a bunch of multi purpose recycling bins - split systems that can work under a counter or free standing, available at places like Container Store and Home Depot.

Small Countertop Method:

You can line with a paper bag like Tom's (left); choose not to line at all and just rinse out occasionally (plastic, like Diane's and Martha's green version can go in the dishwasher), use a bio bag liner (2-3 gallon size) or just use a milk container or ice-cream container and close it up prior to throwing in the cart. The stainless steel Jaimez model, like Monica's and ceramic models are available at LH Natural Home (43rd/Upton) or online at amazon.com; both of those plus the green plastic model are available at composters.com. Tom's tall clear container was from Target in the food storage aisle in a set of three. Milk containers available wherever good milk is sold. LHP&L has three remaining Jaimezs, we'll order more if people want them.

MAKE YOUR OWN: If you want to try making one yourself, check out the easy, frugal method for a $1.50 compost pail here.

PROS: Because it's small, you'll avoid having a weeks worth of garbage in your kitchen and avoid odor issues.

CONS: Because it's small, you'll need to empty more frequently, possibly more than once a day. You can't put fridge and freezer packaging or pizza boxes or larger items in it. If you have watermelon for example, that might fill the whole pail. If you're lining it, might be expensive to use so many small bags.

Megan Collins takes 40 seconds to explain her counter top system in a Youtube.

Converting Your Kitchen Trash Can  Method:

You can line with a 13 gallon bio bag, or use paper grocery sacks. (If using paper bags, wrap wet items with newsprint,  place shredded paper in the bottom or make sure your used paper towels go in first for absorbancy.)

PROS: Don't have to empty as frequently. Fits large quantities of organics, including soiled paper products such as paper plates, fridge and freezer packaging.

CONS: Expense of bags if you were going through more than 1 or 2 per week.. Organics sit longer, so may have odor issues. This is my kitchen (don't look to closely to the dirty floor!) and the scraps have been sitting there for 5 days and I haven't noticed any odor issues yet. If I had something I thought would be bad, I'd wrap with newspaper before putting it in the kitchen bin, or wrap in newspaper and throw it directly in the outside cart.

Mike's Tip: ..If you use the 13 gal bags you can't fill them up before they start to stink (if you have them indoors).  What I found works is if you get some strong plastic clips and spin and clip the bag it contains the smell and you can use it longer. (A clothes pin probably works just as well). Thanks Mike!

 Big Bag in the Cart Method

PROS:: Only need to use one bag per week. Large 33 gallon sized bio bags are about $1 a piece; large sized paper bags are about 32c a piece. Holds everything from food scraps to fridge and freezer packaging.

CONS: You have to have a system inside your house that works until you get it outside. So either you're wrapping in newsprint, using paper grocery sacks or or using a small container, but most likely you're making more frequent trips to the cart than with the kitchen trash method.

STORE BOUGHT BIN OPTIONS

Container Store options:

simplehuman® 2-Bin Pull-Out Recycler

Add our 9.2 gal. 2-Bin Pull-Out Recycler by simplehuman® in a lower kitchen cabinet for a space-saving, easy-to-use solution to collect and sort recyclables. It slides out 16" from the cabinet for complete access.  

• Commercial-grade steel frame and ball bearings
• Removable polypropylene bins
• Fits most lower cabinets
• 9.2 gal. 2-Bin Pull-Out Recycler
• 9-3/4" x 18-1/8" x 19" h
• Product number: 10048937
• $69.00
   

2-Bin Pivoting Recycler

Italian-designed 2-Bin Pivoting Recycler is a smart option for storing and sorting recyclables, even in a small amount of space. It features two removable handled plastic bins that pivot for easy accessibility.  

• Solid steel construction
• 2-Bin Pivoting Recycler Silver
• 13" x 11" x 30-3/4" h
• Product number: 10045751
• $179.00

simplehuman® 13 gal. Stainless Steel 2-Bin Recycler

Space-efficient 2-Bin Recycler by simplehuman® features two amply sized bins for separating recyclables and/or trash. The SmartBucket™ system used along with a BagTuck™ keeps the plastic trash bag out of sight and allows for quick, no-hassle changing of the bag. A built-in lock holds the lid open for hands-free access. Simply press on the wide pedal to access the bins - the lids open and close smoothly and quietly.  

• Brushed stainless steel construction
• 8 gallon and 6 gallon capacity bins
• Air-damper closure
• 19-1/2" x 12-3/4" x 26" h
• Product number: 10045664
• $179.00

Home Depot Ideas:

Rev-A-Shelf 35 Qt

Rev-A-Shelf's Double 35 Qt. Pull-Out Waste Container is ideal for large families or to separate recyclables. This product features a heavy duty frame and full-extension ball bearing slides. (14-3/8 in. W x 22 in. D x 19-1/4 in. H)

• Fully assembled
• Simple 4 screw installation
• Use optional door mount kit (RV-DM17KIT-600) to make throwing trash away, a one step process
• Optional lid is available in silver or green
• Limted lifetime warranty
• MFG Brand Name : Rev-A-Shelf
• MFG Model # : RV-18PBC-17-600
• MFG Part # : RV-18PBC-17-600
• $70.99

Rev-A-Shelf 27 Qt

Make sorting your trash and recyclables easier with these dual pull-out containers that glide in and out with ease. Constructed of a heavy-duty wire frame with two 27 qt. waste containers. ( 11-3/4 in. W x 22-3/4 in. 19-1/8 in. H)

• Fully assembled
• Simple 4 screw installation
• Two 27 qt. waste containers
• Limted lifetime warranty
• MFG Brand Name : Rev-A-Shelf
• MFG Model # : RV-15PB-600
• MFG Part # : RV-15PB-600
• $51.99

REAL PEOPLE TELL THEIR STORIES

Monica: I compost in the back yard, so I'm really just using the organics cart for egg cartons, meat, bones and packaging. I use the Jaimez on my counter and empty it directly into my back yard compost; I put the other stuff directly into the cart.

Rhea: My husband designed a plastic cup/office binder solution so we could collect compostable and non compostable in one trash can. It works particularly well in the bathroom for collecting dental floss. See pic at right.

Tom: I am using a 1.3 gall Rubbermaid container with a paper bag (like Brueggers size or lunch size) as the liner. I throw shredded paper in the bottom but you could crumple a sheet of newspaper. Then everytime it's full I roll the top down  and throw it in a 13 gallon size bio bag which is in a sealed rubbermaid container in my back room (equivalent of a laundry or mud room)-with the theory being that I only have to use one bio bag per week at about 60c per week. (I  use the back room because my cart  is down three flights of stairs, but you could use your cart rather than having the interim deal if that is easier). Or you could purchase the cart size bag (Leaf and yard size, 95c per bag at bayers) and use that to toss your rubbermaid stuff in directly (no liner) and simply rinse the rubbermaid out occasionally.