I keep a decorative, stainless steel mini garbage pail on my counter (it looks like Oscar the Grouch might pop out of it), and as I cook, deseed and peel my fruits and vegetables, I throw the scraps ...

Make it simple to collect kitchen scraps with a countertop compost pail. The 1-3/10 gallon stainless steel pail comes with an airtight lid and charcoal filter, so you won’t have to worry about odor.

Ceramic crock compost pail from Gardener's Supply Co. White, blue or red, 7 inches in diameter, 10 1/2 inches tall, holds 3 1/2 quarts; $29.95 Dishwasher safe. Glazed inside and out.

“It’s your turn to take out the compost.” Whether said peevishly or as a gentle reminder, it’s a remark heard even in households that are joyful about their compost bucket.

1. What do you need? You’ll need a pail for the kitchen to collect scraps, an outdoor composting bin (if you’re using one, but you don’t need one), or a spot in the yard for a pile.

1. What do you need? You’ll need a pail for the kitchen to collect scraps, an outdoor composting bin (if you’re using one, but you don’t need one), or a spot in the yard for a pile.