Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Compost Starters

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Biomaster Compost-It Compost Accelerator
Biomaster
Compost-It Compost Accelerator
Check Price
Excellent Performance
Bottom Line

A top-selling compost starter — for good reason. Contains quality active ingredients and works well while controlling odors.

Pros

Packed with nutrients that turn lawn and kitchen waste to compost in as little as four weeks. Reduces odor and works wherever compost is made: piles, tumblers, bins, and more. Made of natural, organic ingredients with 60-plus microbe strains.

Cons

Package is on the small side, so you may need more than one for large compost systems. Pricey.

Best Bang for the Buck
Jobe's Organics Compost Starter Microbe Additive
Jobe's Organics
Compost Starter Microbe Additive
Check Price
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Reasonably priced compost starter by a popular brand in lawn care products.

Pros

Made with Jobe's proprietary blend of microorganisms and certified organic materials that are formulated to speed up composting times. Enhances soil. Decent price. Available in choice of three bag sizes.

Cons

Has a strong odor, and doesn't control composting odors well. Doesn't speed up composting time for some waste materials.

Roebic Compos Accelerator
Roebic
Compos Accelerator
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This quality compost starter is natural and works at speeding up the composting process for most waste materials, but not all.

Pros

Speeds up composting times while maintaining a pH balance that promotes healthy soil that's rich in nutrients. Natural formula works fast for most materials and helps break down waste like lawn clippings, leaves, and more. Controls odors.

Cons

May take longer than expected to turn some waste items into compost.

GREEN PIG Compost Accelerator
GREEN PIG
Compost Accelerator
Check Price
Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Accelerates the composting process with bacteria that are effective at keeping odors under control while they work.

Pros

Bacteria-based formula is effective at turning many waste items into compost. Individual packets are convenient and easy to use. Does a good job controlling odors while compost forms.

Cons

Company's claim of producing compost in as few as 30 days is questionable. Not very effective for large piles.

SCD Probiotics Compost Starter and Microbial Inoculant
SCD Probiotics
Compost Starter and Microbial Inoculant
Check Price
Affordable and Natural
Bottom Line

Simple, natural product that accelerates composting, but may not work as quickly as you'd like.

Pros

Contains natural microbes that turn just about any type of waste into compost. Produces low oxygen levels while turning waste to compost. Suitable for indoor composting. Easy to use. Decent price.

Cons

Somewhat smelly. Has the tendency to take longer than anticipated to break down some materials.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
36
Models
Considered
202
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
Category cover
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More