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Choose Your Container and Location
First, you need a composting container. There are some excellent official versions you can buy, such as sturdy countertop compost bins with lids that include air holes and useful handles. However, with the right metal, plastic or ceramic container, you can create your own DIY compost container, as long as it has a secure, tightly-sealed lid. Air holes are necessary to help the composting material “breathe.” The bacteria and other microbes in charge of the decomposition need oxygen to do their jobs, and without holes compost can quickly heat up through excess gas production.
While it’s called countertop composting, you should also think about where to put your countertop compost bin container. You probably don’t want it in the pantry or near food preparation areas, which limits your options. Under the sink is a common option if you have room!
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Use Charcoal Filters
Compost is made largely out of rotting food matter, and that means that it will stink. There’s no way around that, but there are plenty of ways to control the smell for a countertop compost bin. One of the most effective tools is a charcoal filter, which you can buy in packs and attach to your compost container lid. Air can still flow through the filter, but it will help keep a lot of the smell from escaping. Don’t try to add compounds to the compost itself to control odors because that ruins the careful composition of your compost matter.
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