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10 Best Kitchen Trash Bags 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags, Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon Size, Drawstring Closure, Continuous Odor Control, White, Lavender and Sweet Vanilla Scent, 80 Bags

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,133
Closure Type
Scent
Reinforcement

Most important from
210136 reviews

Closure Type
These are strong, sturdy, and stretchy trash bags with a convenient drawstring closure.
Scent
The delightful scent effectively masks unpleasant odors, creating a fresher environment.
Reinforcement
These Hefty trash bags are tough and can hold a lot of kitchen garbage without tearing, even with sharp objects like broken glass and cans.

The Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags are designed for tall kitchen trash cans, offering a generous 13-gallon capacity that is suitable for most household needs. These bags are made from durable plastic with features that make them resistant to leaks, punctures, and rips, which ensures they can handle heavy or sharp waste without breaking. The drawstring closure is convenient and secure, making it easy to tie and carry the bags without messes.

A standout feature is the Arm and Hammer odor control technology, combined with a pleasant Lavender and Sweet Vanilla scent that helps to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. This is particularly useful if you frequently deal with smelly trash. However, some users might find the scented bags less appealing if they prefer unscented options, or they may find the odor control insufficient for very strong smells.

These trash bags are an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable, durable kitchen trash bags that also help manage odors effectively. However, if you have specific needs for unscented bags or extremely heavy-duty use, you might need to consider other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,133
Closure Type
Scent
Reinforcement

Most important from
210136 reviews

Closure Type
These are strong, sturdy, and stretchy trash bags with a convenient drawstring closure.
Scent
The delightful scent effectively masks unpleasant odors, creating a fresher environment.
Reinforcement
These Hefty trash bags are tough and can hold a lot of kitchen garbage without tearing, even with sharp objects like broken glass and cans.
#2

Amazon Basics Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, 13 Gallon, 120 Count, Pack of 1

Rating
9.4
Size
Scent

Most important from
98234 reviews

Size
Great value and made very well, fitting 13-gallon bins perfectly.
Scent
Durable as any other big brands, with no weird scents—just a freshness.

The Amazon Basics Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags are designed to meet everyday kitchen waste needs with a 13-gallon capacity, making them spacious enough for most households. With a thickness of 0.9 mil, these bags offer a decent level of durability to handle typical kitchen waste without tearing easily. The sturdy plastic material ensures that the bags are reliable for containing food waste and other household trash.

The convenient red drawstring closure allows for easy tying and carrying, which simplifies disposal and helps to keep odors contained. These bags are unscented, which is a plus for users who prefer to avoid strong smells. However, they are available in scented options if desired. The pack contains 120 bags, which provides a good value and long-lasting supply.

One potential drawback is that some users may find the 0.9 mil thickness insufficient for heavier or sharper trash, and may prefer a thicker bag for added security. Otherwise, these trash bags are a solid choice for everyday kitchen use, combining practicality with a good capacity and ease of use.

Rating
9.4
Size
Scent

Most important from
98234 reviews

Size
Great value and made very well, fitting 13-gallon bins perfectly.
Scent
Durable as any other big brands, with no weird scents—just a freshness.
#3

Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags - Odorshield 13 Gallon White Trash Bag, Febreze Fresh Clean, 110 Count

Rating
9.1
Size
Thickness
Material

Most important from
60024 reviews

Size
The 13-gallon size fits perfectly in our trash can and they are thick enough to fill without ripping.
Thickness
The 13-gallon size fits perfectly in our trash can and they are thick enough to fill without ripping.
Material
These bags are strong, flexible, and smell good when placed in the trash container.
Closure Type
They stretch well and are easy to open, install, close, and dump.
Scent
These bags are strong, flexible, and smell good when placed in the trash container.
Reinforcement
I've never had one rip or leak, which is exactly what I expect from a trash bag.

The Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags come in a 13-gallon size, making them suitable for most standard kitchen trash cans. These bags feature Glad’s ForceFlex technology, meaning they can stretch and accommodate heavy loads without tearing easily. This is particularly useful if you often dispose of bulky or sharp items.

The bags also offer two layers of extra leak protection, which helps to prevent any mess from leaking through, a valuable feature for maintaining cleanliness. Additionally, they come with a Gain Fresh Clean scent with Febreze freshness, which helps in keeping unpleasant odors at bay, thanks to the OdorShield technology that neutralizes kitchen smells.

The drawstring closure ensures that the bag grips the can securely and is easy to tie and carry out, minimizing the risk of leaks or tears. With 110 bags in a pack, it offers good value for everyday kitchen use. These bags are suitable for anyone looking to manage kitchen waste effectively while keeping odors under control.

Rating
9.1
Size
Thickness
Material

Most important from
60024 reviews

Size
The 13-gallon size fits perfectly in our trash can and they are thick enough to fill without ripping.
Thickness
The 13-gallon size fits perfectly in our trash can and they are thick enough to fill without ripping.
Material
These bags are strong, flexible, and smell good when placed in the trash container.
Closure Type
They stretch well and are easy to open, install, close, and dump.
Scent
These bags are strong, flexible, and smell good when placed in the trash container.
Reinforcement
I've never had one rip or leak, which is exactly what I expect from a trash bag.

Buying Guide for the Best Kitchen Trash Bags

Choosing the right kitchen trash bags can make a significant difference in maintaining cleanliness and convenience in your kitchen. The right trash bag will be durable, fit your trash can properly, and handle the type of waste you generate without tearing or leaking. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting kitchen trash bags.
SizeThe size of the trash bag is crucial because it needs to fit your trash can properly. Trash bags come in various sizes, typically measured in gallons. Common sizes include 13-gallon bags for standard kitchen trash cans, but you can also find smaller or larger options. To choose the right size, measure the dimensions of your trash can and select a bag that matches those dimensions. A bag that's too small will not fit properly, while a bag that's too large may be wasteful and cumbersome.
ThicknessThickness, often measured in mils (thousandths of an inch), determines the durability and strength of the trash bag. Thicker bags are more resistant to punctures and tears, making them ideal for heavy or sharp waste. Thinner bags are suitable for lighter, less demanding trash. For everyday kitchen use, a thickness of 0.9 to 1.2 mils is usually sufficient. If you frequently dispose of heavy or sharp items, consider bags with a thickness of 1.5 mils or more.
MaterialTrash bags are typically made from plastic, but the type of plastic can vary. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags are thinner and less expensive, suitable for light waste. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags are thicker and more flexible, ideal for heavier or bulkier trash. Some bags are made from recycled materials, which can be a more environmentally friendly option. Choose the material based on the type of waste you generate and your environmental preferences.
Closure TypeThe closure type of a trash bag affects how easily you can seal and dispose of it. Common closure types include drawstring, flap tie, and twist tie. Drawstring bags are convenient and easy to close, making them a popular choice for kitchen use. Flap tie bags require you to tie the flaps together, which can be less convenient but still effective. Twist tie bags come with separate ties that you use to close the bag. Choose a closure type that matches your preference for ease of use and convenience.
ScentSome trash bags come with added scents to help mask unpleasant odors. These scented bags can be beneficial if you dispose of food waste or other smelly items frequently. However, if you or someone in your household is sensitive to fragrances, you may prefer unscented bags. Consider your sensitivity to scents and the type of waste you generate when deciding whether to choose scented or unscented bags.
ReinforcementReinforced trash bags have additional features like reinforced bottoms or sides to prevent leaks and tears. These bags are particularly useful if you dispose of heavy or sharp items regularly. Reinforcement can add to the durability and reliability of the bag, ensuring that it holds up under stress. If you often deal with challenging waste, look for bags with reinforced features to avoid messes and spills.

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