Where should you keep your food waste caddy in the kitchen?
The best spot for your food waste caddy will depend on how you cook, the amount of space in your kitchen and how you feel about having one on display. The most common options are:
On the countertop
This is the most accessible choice for busy households, especially those who enjoy cooking and meal prepping at home. Some food caddies are more aesthetically pleasing than others, however and you will need to empty them regularly to avoid smells.
Under the sink
If you have a smaller kitchen or don’t like cluttered countertops, storing a caddy under your sink may be a better option. Kept out of sight when not being used, they’re also close to the tap for cleaning.
Cupboard door mounted
Some food caddies come with mounting kits that hook over cupboard doors for easy scraping of food waste. You’ll need to be conscious of weight, however, emptying it when it starts to get heavy.
What’s the best food waste caddy in the UK for small kitchens?
For small kitchens, the OXO Good Grips is the most compact caddy on our list, but its small capacity means you will need to empty it more often.
Do charcoal filters actually stop food waste caddies from smelling?
Charcoal and carbon filters don’t completely prevent odours, but they can minimise and contain them, catching the gases released as your food starts to decompose. Filters work best with dry food waste, such as peelings, eggshells and bread, but are less effective on wet contents, such as fruit pulp and tea bags.
For the best protection against odours, it's important to make sure the lid is sealed well. You’ll also need to replace the filter regularly - approximately every three months.
Mumsnet user Tarkan shares, “I have a Joseph Joseph bin with a filter in the lid and we’ve noticed a huge difference thanks to that. It has a food caddy inside it for our food recycling as well so no smells from that either.”
How often should you empty a food waste caddy?
You should empty your food waste caddy regularly - around every two to three days as a general rule.
On hot days, or with meat, fish, or meal leftovers that decompose more quickly, we recommend emptying it more often to prevent unpleasant odours. If you’re experiencing condensation, smells, or fruit flies, it’s likely you’re not emptying it often enough.
Onelumporthree shares “We've had a food waste caddy for years, in fact I think our council might have been the first to introduce the system. It sits on the kitchen floor next to the general rubbish bin. We empty it every day or two into the one outside. It really is no bother.”
How do you stop fruit flies around a food waste caddy?
Emptying your food waste caddy regularly can help prevent fruit flies, but in warmer months, Mumsnet users also recommend the following:
Ensure the lid is sealed properly when closed
Use a liner to keep the inside walls of the caddy clean
Opt for a food waste caddy with a carbon filter
Sprinkle baking soda on the base to soak up any moisture
Make a fruit fly trap
Mumsnet user MrsEMR explains “I have a two litre metal kitchen caddy. We empty it every day but still get fruit flies in summer. I put a bottle with apple cider vinegar beside the caddy & they are more attracted to that than the bin.”
How do you clean a food waste caddy properly?
To clean your food waste caddy, you should:
Fully empty out the contents.
Rinse with hot, soapy water or a mild disinfectant, lifting any dried-on food or residue from the sides. Leave to soak if necessary.
Air-dry or towel-dry thoroughly to ensure no moisture remains.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and home product reviews and round-ups. Having written reviews on her own blog, Real Mum Reviews, since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising expert opinions and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.
Prioritising healthy eating in 2026, Lucy is attempting to rustle up more quick midweek meals for her family. She’s written several kitchen reviews and Mumsnet guides including the best air fryers and top air fryer microwave combos.
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