What a compost bucket is and why you need one
A compost bucket is a small container you keep in your kitchen to collect food scraps and yard waste before you move them to your outdoor compost pile or bin. It sits on your counter or under your sink and holds things like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grass clippings until the bucket fills up. Then you empty it into your larger compost system.
The bucket keeps your kitchen clean, contains odors, and makes the trip to your compost pile less frequent. You do not need to buy one—you can build a functional bucket from materials you likely have at home in under an hour.
Key Takeaways
- A compost bucket can be made from any food-safe container with a lid, such as a 5-gallon bucket, old plastic storage container, or stainless steel pot.
- Drill or poke holes in the bottom and sides of your bucket to allow air and excess moisture to escape, which prevents odors and rot.
- Line the bottom with newspaper, cardboard, or a cloth to catch liquid and make emptying easier without losing small scraps.
- Keep a lid on your bucket at all times to block fruit flies, rodents, and odors from spreading through your kitchen.
- Empty your bucket once it fills or every few days, whichever comes first, to prevent it from becoming a pest problem.
Choosing a container that works
Start with any container that has a tight-fitting lid. A 5-gallon food-grade bucket (the kind restaurants and bakeries use) is ideal because it is durable, holds a good amount, and is straightforward to carry. You can ask a restaurant, bakery, or grocery store deli if they have used buckets they are throwing away—many give them away free.
If you do not have access to a 5-gallon bucket, use what you have: an old plastic storage container, a stainless steel pot with a lid, a large glass jar, or even a small trash can. The only requirement is that it holds at least a gallon and has a lid that closes tightly. Avoid containers that held chemicals or non-food products.
Drilling holes for drainage and airflow
Drill or poke holes in the bottom of your bucket to let liquid drain out. Use a drill with a quarter-inch bit, or a nail and hammer if you do not have a drill. Make 4 to 6 holes spaced evenly across the bottom. This prevents your compost from sitting in liquid, which causes rot and smell.
Drill 2 to 4 small holes near the top of the bucket on opposite sides. These allow air to circulate inside, which keeps the compost from becoming anaerobic (oxygen-starved) and smelly. If you are using a glass jar or ceramic pot, skip the drilling—instead, prop the lid slightly open or use a cloth cover instead of a sealed lid.
Lining the bottom to catch liquid and scraps
Place a layer of newspaper, cardboard, or an old cloth on the bottom of your bucket, underneath the drainage holes. This catches liquid that drains down and makes it easier to empty the bucket without losing small pieces like eggshell fragments or coffee grounds through the holes.
You can use several sheets of newspaper crumpled loosely, a piece of cardboard cut to fit, or an old cotton cloth. When you empty the bucket, you can compost the liner along with the scraps, or rinse it and reuse it. If liquid pools on top of the liner, you can squeeze it out into a sink or pour it onto your outdoor compost pile.
Securing a lid that seals
A tight-fitting lid is the most important part of your bucket. It keeps fruit flies, gnats, and rodents out of your scraps and stops odors from spreading through your kitchen. The lid does not need to be airtight—just tight enough that insects cannot squeeze in.
If your bucket came with a lid, use it as is. If not, you can buy a replacement lid at a hardware store for a few dollars, or use a piece of plywood cut to size and weighted down with a brick. Some people use a cloth secured with a rubber band, though this is less effective against determined insects.
Placement and maintenance in your kitchen
Keep your bucket on the counter near your food prep area, or under the sink if you have room. A counter location is more convenient because you can scrape scraps directly into it while cooking. Under the sink works if you do not mind bending down, and it keeps the bucket out of sight.
Empty the bucket once it fills or every few days, whichever comes first. Do not let it sit longer than a week, even if it is not full, because decomposition will accelerate and odors will build. Rinse the bucket with water after emptying it, and wipe the lid. If you notice fruit flies, empty it when ready and check that the lid closes properly.
What to put in and what to avoid
Put in fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, eggshells, nutshells, and grass clippings or leaves. These materials break down quickly and are safe for compost. Avoid meat, fish, dairy, oils, and cooked food, which attract rodents and create strong odors in a small bucket.
Do not put in diseased plants, weeds with seeds, or pet waste. These can introduce problems to your compost pile. If you are unsure whether something belongs in compost, leave it out—your bucket is small enough that you do not need to stretch the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bucket without drainage holes?
You can, but it will smell worse and attract more insects because liquid will pool at the bottom. If you must use a sealed container, empty it more frequently—every two or three days instead of weekly—and pour off any liquid that collects.
What do I do with the liquid that drains from the bucket?
That liquid, called compost tea, is rich in nutrients. Pour it onto your outdoor compost pile, or dilute it with water and use it to water houseplants or garden beds. Do not pour it down the drain if you can avoid it.
How do I stop fruit flies from getting into my bucket?
Make sure the lid closes tightly and check it every time you add scraps. If flies appear, empty the bucket when ready, rinse it thoroughly, and inspect the lid for gaps. Fruit flies can squeeze through tiny openings, so a truly tight fit is essential.
Can I use a compost bucket indoors year-round?
Yes. In warm months, empty it more often because decomposition speeds up. In winter, it will smell less and attract fewer insects, so you can go longer between emptying. Keep it away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunny windows.
What if my bucket starts to smell bad?
Empty it when ready and rinse it with water. Smell usually means liquid is pooling or the lid is not closing properly. Check the drainage holes to make sure they are not clogged, and verify that the lid seals all the way around.