I got this compost bin not really knowing what to expect. My husband was concerned that the compost bin would stink after we filled it up. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find that when the lid is on, it does not smell. As you add more items into the bin, you have to remove the cover and that is when it does stink a little, but as soon as you cap it, the smell is gone. This is big enough to put a lot of compost in. It is a great purchase for any backyard homesteader.