Turning kitchen scraps into “black gold” is easier (and tidier) with the right compost system for your homestead.

If you’re managing a small homestead (even if it’s just a backyard garden or an ambitious patio setup), you know that composting is pure gold for your soil. 

But not everyone has acres of land or the patience for a giant, slow-going compost heap. 

The good news? 

There are compact composting systems that fit right into small spaces and busy routines. 

In this article, we’ll walk through some of the top compost tumblers and bin systems ideal for small-scale homesteaders – from easy-spin dual-chamber tumblers to squirmy worm towers, rustic cedar bin kits, and innovative Bokashi buckets. 

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1. Dual-Chamber Tumblers

Compost tumblers are low-effort composting – just load them up, give them a spin, and let them do the work. 

Dual-chamber tumblers are especially worth checking out because they allow continuous composting: fill one chamber while the other “cooks.” 

This is perfect for small homesteads since you get a steady flow of finished compost without waiting months. These enclosed bins also keep pests out and odors in (a nice perk if your compost lives near the house). 

Most dual tumblers are relatively compact and elevated on a stand, making them space-saving and easy on the back (no pitchfork turning needed). 

Just remember to balance your greens and browns and give the barrel a spin every few days for best results. Below are a couple of frequently chosen models by home growers:

Miracle-Gro Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter – 37 Gal (2×18.5)

Miracle-Gro Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is a popular pick for small spaces and beginner composters. 

It’s a heavy-duty plastic tumbler drum sitting on a sturdy steel frame, with two chambers (each about 18.5 gallons) so you can keep adding fresh scraps in one side while the other side finishes cooking. 

True to the Miracle-Gro name, it’s designed to turn out nutrient-rich compost in as little as 4-6 weeks under ideal conditions – without you having to break a sweat turning a pile by hand.

Capacity & Size

37 gallons total (two 18.5-gal compartments). Assembled dimensions are roughly 2 ft x 2 ft x 2.5 ft tall, so it fits on a patio or porch easily.

Key Features

Dual chambers with sliding doors for easy filling, internal mixing bars to break up clumps, and aeration vents to boost decomposition.

The tumbler is BPA-free, UV-protected plastic (safe for compost) on a galvanized steel leg frame.

Pros	Cons
Easy to spin (even full) – just grab and turn. Ideal for small yards or urban homesteads. Odor-free when balanced.	Small openings – awkward for bulky yard waste. 37-gallon capacity may fill up fast with large gardens.
Dual-chamber design for continuous composting. Rodent-proof enclosure.	Assembly required (lots of screws, panels). Plastic parts feel flexy during setup.
	Lightweight (20 lbs empty) – can wobble on uneven ground or with unbalanced compost.

FCMP Outdoor Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter – 37 Gal (Canadian-made)

The FCMP Outdoor IM4000 dual-chamber composter is another top pick among small homesteaders and gardeners. 

Made by a Canadian company, this tumbler is built from 100% recycled polypropylene resin, giving eco-friendly folks a little smile knowing they’re recycling while composting. 

It’s an 8-sided barrel design, which provides nice grip points for turning and helps break up clumps inside as it tumbles. 

Home growers frequently choose this model for its sturdy construction and efficient composting performance.

Capacity & Size

37 gallons total (dual chambers). The footprint is about 30” L x 28” W, and ~36” H on its stand. It holds roughly the volume of a standard trash can split into two sides.

Key Features

Rugged recycled plastic body that’s UV-inhibited (won’t degrade in sunlight), and a powder-coated metal frame.

It has large removable lids on each end for adding material and removing finished compost. Built-in aeration holes and deep internal fins ensure good airflow and mixing as you turn it.

Notably, this model comes with rolling wheels on the base, so you can relocate it around your yard easily – a handy feature if you want to dump finished compost directly where you need it.

Pros	Cons
Very solid and durable – survives harsh weather. Dual compartments for quick composting (2-3 weeks).	Heavy when full – 37 gallons of wet compost is tough to spin.
Easy turning action, even when full. Made from recycled plastic, North America-made.	Tricky to get compost out – may need to tip or shovel it out.
Simple assembly with clear instructions.	Can get sludgy or smelly if “greens” and “browns” aren’t balanced.

(Casual tip: Whichever tumbler you choose, place it in a sunny spot. The extra heat will speed up decomposition, and you’ll get that crumbly compost faster.

Also, remember to keep it slightly moist – like a damp sponge – and give it a spin every couple of days. Tumbler composting is almost set-and-forget, but a tiny bit of TLC will yield better results.)

2. Worm Towers (Stacking Vermicompost Bins)

Now let’s talk worms.

Worm towers (also called worm bins or vermicomposters) are a fantastic compost system for small homesteads, especially if you want to compost indoors or year-round.

These typically are stackable tray systems where red wiggler worms munch through kitchen scraps in the lower trays and then wiggle upward to new food in higher trays, leaving rich worm castings (compost) behind.

They’re often called “towers” because of the vertical stacking of trays. The benefit? They take up very little floor space (some are no bigger than a nightstand), have minimal odor when managed right, and produce incredibly rich fertilizer (worm castings + “worm tea” liquid).

They’re also kinda fun – it’s like having a tiny worm farm pet that eats your garbage. Below are two worm composting systems frequently chosen by small-scale growers:

Nature’s Footprint Worm Factory 360 (4-Tray Vermicomposter)

The Worm Factory 360 is a well-loved classic in vermicomposting, often hailed as “the worm skyscraper.” 

It’s a 4-tray stacking system (with the option to add more trays) made of sturdy plastic. This system is proudly made in the USA, and many homesteaders appreciate the build quality and support from the manufacturer. 

The concept is simple: you start by feeding kitchen scraps in the bottom tray with bedding and worms, and as each tray fills with processed compost, you add another tray on top. 

The worms naturally migrate upward in search of fresh food, leaving the finished compost in the lower trays for easy harvesting.

Capacity & Dimensions

The standard kit comes with 4 trays (each about 17×17 inches). Fully assembled with 4 trays, it’s roughly 2 feet tall and has about an 18×18 inch footprint – great for a laundry room, garage corner, or shady porch.

You can expand it up to 6 or 8 trays high if needed. In terms of waste, a 4-tray system can comfortably handle the food scraps of a typical family (around ½ to 1 pound of scraps per day once it’s established with a healthy worm population).

Key Features

Modular stacking trays, a ventilated lid, and a collection base with a spigot to drain off “worm tea” (liquid fertilizer).

It includes things like bedding material and a how-to guide in the kit. The design optimizes airflow and moisture: the vented lid plus a coconut coir mat help control odor and fruit flies, and the bottom tray catches excess liquid so the environment doesn’t get too soggy.

Also, the Worm Factory’s trays are a dark color, keeping it dark inside – worms like darkness.

Pros	Cons
Space-efficient and odor-free – can compost indoors year-round.	Learning curve with worm composting – requires proper environment.
Easy harvesting – worms move up to higher trays as compost finishes.	Heavy trays when full – but manageable since you only access one at a time.
Durable, USA-made, and educational – great for kids.	Requires live worms (usually Red Wigglers) purchased separately.
	Not suitable for large yard waste – best for kitchen scraps.

(Fun note: If you get into worm composting, you might start to see your kitchen scraps as “worm food” rather than garbage. It’s strangely satisfying.

Just avoid giving them meat, dairy, or oily foods – those are a no-no for worm bins, as they can smell and attract pests.

Stick to veggie peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, paper, etc., and your squirmy workforce will reward you with amazing compost.)

VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin

Another worm tower system worth checking out is the VermiHut Plus, a 5-tray composting bin with some smart design tweaks.

It’s quite similar in concept to the Worm Factory – stackable trays, gravity-fed worm migration – but the VermiHut Plus has a reputation for innovations that minimize common vermicomposting hassles.

For instance, it includes a special “M-board” moisture separator and a ventilated lid setup that help keep odors and fruit flies under control.

This system is often chosen by home growers who want an easy, odorless indoor worm bin at a slightly lower price point.

Capacity & Dimensions

Comes with 5 stacking trays of about 16×16 inches. Fully stacked, it stands around 2 feet tall. The footprint is compact (under 2×2 feet), so it doesn’t hog space.

With 5 active trays, it can house a large worm herd (up to 10 pounds of worms if you ever scaled it that far) which can process several pounds of scraps per day.

In short, plenty of capacity for the average household’s kitchen waste, with room to grow.

Key Features

The “worm-saving” tray (M-board) is a unique feature – it sits above the liquid collection tray at the bottom and keeps worms from drowning by providing a barrier, while also improving airflow up through the bin.

The lid has a “V-board” and a piece of coir fiber that act as a filter/vent to eliminate odors and keep pests out. There’s also a spigot to drain out the liquid fertilizer.

The kit often includes a starter coconut fiber bedding and maybe a handbook.

Pros	Cons
Odor-free with good airflow – mild earthy scent at most.	Requires regular attention – no ignoring for weeks.
Indoor-safe, year-round use, great for winter composting.	Can attract fruit flies if not careful with food and lid.
Environmentally friendly – made from recycled plastic.	Assembling the spigot carefully is necessary to avoid leaks.
Forgiving for beginners with moisture control and airflow.	Opening the lid reveals wriggling worms (may be unsettling for some).

(Side note: If you find yourself really loving worm composting, there are larger continuous-flow systems like the Hungry Bin that can process even more waste with less tray swapping.

They’re pricier, though, so starting with a tray tower like Worm Factory or VermiHut is a budget-friendly move. Your worms won’t mind either way, as long as they get fed!)

3. Cedar Compost Bin Kits

Not a fan of plastic? Want something a bit more natural looking and large-capacity? Cedar compost bin kits might be your answer.

These are essentially DIY-style bins made of wooden slats (usually rot-resistant cedar) that you assemble into a square pen for compost.

They offer a rustic, homestead vibe and can handle a lot more volume than the tumblers or worm bins – great if you have yard waste, chicken bedding, or lots of fall leaves to compost.

For small homesteads, a single-bin cedar kit can fit in a corner of the yard and quietly do its thing, or you can even set up a multi-bin system if you have space to continuously cycle compost.

Cedar bins have an open-top design (you can cover with a tarp or wood if you like) and slatted sides for airflow.

They don’t “tumble” or turn themselves, so you will need a pitchfork to manually turn the pile occasionally – but the payoff is a big batch of compost and a bin that blends into the garden.

Let’s look at a top pick in this category:

Greenes Fence Cedar Wood Composter (36″x36″ Kit)

The Greenes Fence Cedar Composter is a widely chosen bin system for homesteaders who want simplicity and capacity.

Greenes is known for their raised bed and compost bin kits made from untreated North American cedar (which means no chemicals leaching into your compost, and cedar naturally resists rot and insects).

This particular compost bin kit creates a 3-foot by 3-foot wooden bin with slatted sides. It’s like a big open box where you toss in your yard waste and kitchen scraps, layer by layer.

Capacity & Dimensions

Assembled size is about 36″ L x 36″ W x 31″ H. That equates to roughly 23 cubic feet of capacity (173 gallons).

In plain terms, it can easily handle the compostable output of an average household with a yard – think lawn clippings, garden weeds, kitchen scraps, and then some.

It’s large enough for a hot compost pile (which needs volume to heat up). If you need more capacity, Greenes also offers expansion kits or larger sizes (like a 48″×48″ bin).

You can even connect multiple bins for a 2- or 3-bin system as your needs grow.

Key Features

The kit includes cedar boards (slats) and corner posts that lock together without any fancy hardware – you usually just use a rubber mallet to tap the boards into the corner post grooves.

The slatted design leaves 2-inch gaps between boards for airflow, which is crucial to prevent the pile from getting stinky anaerobic.

Because it’s modular, one cool feature is you can remove boards from the front to more easily shovel out finished compost or turn the pile.

Being cedar, it has a lovely wood smell initially and a rustic look that many prefer over plastic bins. All materials are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, supporting local wood mills.

Pros	Cons
Eco-friendly wood – biodegradable at end of life. Large capacity for high volumes of waste.	Not rodent or pet-proof – may attract critters, especially if food scraps are added.
Easy assembly – no screws or nails, just slide pieces together.	Needs moisture monitoring – can dry out or get too wet from rain.
Open-top design for easy addition of large yard waste. Beneficial microbes and worms can help break down material.	Manual aeration required – occasional turning or mixing needed.
Expandable with an add-on kit for more volume.	Wood may degrade in damp climates after several years (3-5 years). Replacement of boards may be needed.

Homestead tip: Place your cedar bin where there’s good drainage – on soil or grass is best. You want excess moisture to drain away. Also, consider a 3-bin setup if you have the room: one bin for fresh stuff, one for “cooking,” and one for finished compost.

4. Bokashi Buckets (Fermentation Composting)

Last but not least, let’s get a little pickled – with Bokashi composting.

Bokashi is a fascinating system originating from Japan, involving fermenting your food waste in an airtight bucket with the help of special microbes (inoculated bran, known as Bokashi bran).

Unlike traditional composting, Bokashi is an anaerobic process – you sprinkle the bran onto layers of food scraps in the bucket, seal it up, and the microbes pickle your waste.

After about two weeks, you end up with “pre-compost” that can be buried in the garden or added to a compost pile to finish breaking down.

The big appeal of Bokashi for small homesteads: you can compost things like meat, dairy, bones, and cooked foods that usually can’t go in regular compost! It also works fast and indoors, year-round, with very minimal odor (a slight sweet-sour pickled smell at most).

Bokashi buckets are compact – often small enough to tuck under a sink. Many people use a two-bucket rotation: fill one up while the other ferments.

Let’s look at a couple of Bokashi systems that are top picks for home use:

SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter (5 Gal kit)

The All Seasons Indoor Composter kit by SCD Probiotics is basically the OG Bokashi bucket system.

It’s a 5-gallon plastic bucket (tan or black color options) with a tight-sealing lid, a strainer insert, and a spigot at the bottom to drain off the liquid.

It also comes with a bag of Bokashi bran to get you started.

This kit is frequently chosen by folks who want a simple, reliable Bokashi setup from a reputable brand (SCD Probiotics helped popularize Bokashi in the US).

It’s designed to sit in your kitchen or garage and quietly ferment your food scraps with no fuss.

Capacity & Dimensions

5-gallon bucket (approximately 12″ L x 12″ W x 16″ H). That’s about the size of a standard water cooler jug, so it can fit under most kitchen sinks or in a pantry corner.

Five gallons capacity is plenty for most families to accumulate 1-2 weeks of food waste.

The kit includes 2 lbs of dry Bokashi bran, which is enough to ferment several full buckets of scraps (you use a sprinkle or two of bran each time you add scraps).

Key Features

Airtight lid (essential for anaerobic fermentation), a slotted false bottom that separates solids from liquid, and a bottom spigot to drain the Bokashi “tea” (liquid fertilizer).

Using it is straightforward: add scraps, sprinkle bran, press it down, and seal. The bran contains lactobacilli and other beneficial microbes that prevent rot odor and quickly ferment the waste.

The SCD bucket is BPA-free plastic and fairly robust (important, since you don’t want leaks!). One nice feature is the compact footprint – it’s meant for indoor use even in small kitchens.

Pros	Cons
Year-round composting – even in apartments. Odor-free with slight vinegar/molasses smell.	Fermented waste is pre-compost, requires burial or traditional composting to finish.
Handles all kitchen waste, including meat, cheese, and greasy leftovers.	Needs a spot to bury fermented material or an outdoor space (or give to friends with gardens).
Fast – scraps are ready in 10-14 days. Liquid is usable as fertilizer.	Requires purchasing Bokashi bran regularly (or making your own).
Space-saving – no yard space needed, no turning or lifting required.	Forgets to drain the liquid, and the bucket can get too funky or anaerobic.
Easy maintenance – just layer scraps and bran.	Press scraps down to avoid air pockets, or it may not ferment evenly.

Biorfe 2-Bucket Bokashi Composting Starter Kit

If you have a larger household or just want a more continuous setup out of the box, the Biorfe Bokashi Compost Kit is worth checking out.

It includes two Bokashi buckets and a generous 6.6 lb bag of Bokashi bran. Having two buckets means one can ferment while the other is being filled – a very convenient cycle for uninterrupted composting.

The Biorfe kit is popular for its thoughtful design and eco-friendly touches: the buckets are made of 75% recycled polypropylene and have an “eye-pleasing” modern look, so they aren’t an eyesore in your kitchen.

This kit is frequently a top pick for small homesteads that produce a lot of kitchen scraps or who want to ensure they always have spare capacity.

Capacity & Dimensions

Each bucket is 5 gallons, with similar dimensions (~12×12×15 inches each). Having two gives you a total of 10 gallons of processing capacity (though you use them one at a time, essentially).

The 6.6 lbs of included Bokashi bran will last quite a long time – you only use a tablespoon or two per layer of scraps, so that might cover a few months of continuous composting or more.

Key Features

Two nested buckets with tight lids, strainers, and spigots – basically double of everything. The build quality is solid; users note the thick plastic and good seals that result in virtually no odor escaping.

The kit is specifically designed to be beginner-friendly, with easy instructions. Being made mostly from recycled materials, it earns eco points as well.

You also get little extras like a drain cup for the liquid and maybe a press tool for compacting scraps.

Biorfe highlights that their design is a “stylish” compost bin that you won’t mind seeing in your kitchen – it has a neutral gray/green look rather than industrial.

Pros	Cons
Continuous cycle – fill one bin, let it ferment while filling the second. No downtime.	Eventually need to deal with two buckets of fermented material – requires garden space or compost pile.
Effective odor control – smells like pickled veggies, not rotting waste.	Emptying the bucket can be a bit “yucky” – soft, acidic material with a strong sour smell.
Includes plenty of bran and has sturdy construction – good value for the price.	Requires a storage spot for the second bucket during fermentation (can be tricky in tight spaces).
Easy liquid drainage via spigot – great for fertilizing plants with compost tea.	Need to regularly buy Bokashi bran (or make your own) to keep the process going.
Pest-proof – sealed design keeps fruit flies and rodents away.	Requires outdoor space to bury fermented scraps or get creative with urban alternatives.

Bokashi tip: When burying your fermented Bokashi waste, dig the hole/trench at least 8-10 inches deep and cover it well with soil to prevent any lingering smells on the surface.

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Composting on a small homestead is absolutely doable – and it doesn’t have to be a stinky, labor-intensive endeavor.

Whether you opt for a tumbler that you can crank like a barrel, a worm tower with thousands of wiggly helpers, a cedar bin that holds a mountain of yard waste, or a Bokashi bucket quietly fermenting under your sink, there’s a system (or combo of systems) out there to fit your needs.

Feel free to check them out, read reviews, and compare. Each has its pros and cons, but all can help you turn waste into valuable fertilizer without a big footprint (literally and environmentally).

And in true homesteading spirit, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it – you’ll gain a new appreciation for the banana peels and coffee grounds once you see them transform into rich soil.

Happy composting, and may your small homestead be ever bountiful! 🌱