Best Trash Bags for 2026
Discover comprehensive reviews of top-rated trash bags to keep your kitchen clean and odor-free. Our expert analysis covers durability, capacity, and value to help you find the perfect solution for your household waste management needs.
Updated January 2026 • 19 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Durable bags that resist tearing and stretching
- Long-lasting Febreze scent controls odors effectively
- Easy drawstring closure for convenient removal
- Perfect size for small trash cans and bathrooms
Glad Small Trash Bags 4 Gallon with Febreze
These 4-gallon Glad trash bags combine durability with pleasant Febreze Bahama Bliss fragrance, making them ideal for small household needs, bathrooms, and pet areas. The drawstring closure ensures easy removal and secure closure, while the thick material resists tearing and stretches to accommodate fuller bins. Customers consistently praise their odor-control performance and reliable quality at its current price point.
The Bad
- Scent intensity may be too strong for some users
- Price could be lower for bulk purchases
The Good
- Perfect fit prevents sagging and maximizes capacity
- Exceptional durability—never rips or leaks
- Convenient drawstring handles and dispenser packaging
- Strong enough for heavy loads without double-bagging
simplehuman Code K Custom Fit Drawstring Trash Bags
simplehuman Code K trash bags deliver exceptional durability and a perfect fit for compatible cans, with customers consistently reporting zero rips or leaks even with heavy loads. The custom-fit design eliminates sagging and waste of space, while convenient drawstring handles and dispenser packaging make trash changes effortless. Though priced higher than generic alternatives, their superior quality and longevity make them a worthwhile investment for reliability-conscious households.
The Bad
- Higher price point than generic trash bags
- Drawstring handles may strain under extreme weight
The Good
- Extra-strong, leak-proof construction prevents spills
- Durable drawstrings that don't tear or rip
- Perfect fit for Ninestars waste cans
- Excellent value despite premium pricing
Ninestars Extra Strong White Trash Bags 21 Gallon (90 Count)
These extra-strong drawstring trash bags deliver exceptional durability and leak-proof performance for household and commercial use. With a large 21-gallon capacity, reinforced construction, and convenient dispenser box, they offer reliable waste containment that justifies its current price point. Users consistently praise the robust drawstrings and superior quality that outperform cheaper alternatives.
The Bad
- Higher price than standard garbage bags
The Good
- Exceptional durability—no tears, leaks, or punctures
- Patented odor control with pleasant light scent
- Sturdy drawstring handles carrying heavy loads
- Excellent value with 80-bag mega pack
Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gallon
Hefty Ultra Strong delivers exceptional durability with reinforced drawstrings and superior tear/puncture resistance that consistently outperforms budget alternatives. The Lavender & Sweet Vanilla scent effectively controls odors without overwhelming the kitchen. At its current price point, these offer outstanding value for heavy-duty household use.
The Bad
- Higher upfront cost than discount store alternatives
- Lavender scent may not appeal to all users
The Good
- ForceFlex technology prevents rips and tears
- Febreze scent controls odors effectively
- Durable drawstring stays firmly in place
- Great value for 110-count quantity
Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags 13 Gallon
Glad's ForceFlex technology and dual-layer construction make these 13-gallon trash bags exceptionally durable and leak-resistant for everyday kitchen use. The Febreze Fresh Clean scent effectively controls odors without being overwhelming, and the grips-the-can drawstring ensures secure placement. With over 58,000 reviews and great ratings, these bags deliver excellent quality and value for the price.
The Bad
- May be prone to tearing if overstuffed
- Product color described as white but appears grey
The Good
- Excellent odor control with Clorox - neutralizes odors naturally
- Outstanding durability and flexibility - handles heavy loads without tearing
- Easy-to-use drawstring and convenient sizing for standard kitchen cans
- Pleasant subtle scent without chemical undertones
Glad ForceFlex MaxStrength with Clorox Trash Bags, 13 Gal
Glad ForceFlex MaxStrength trash bags deliver exceptional durability and odor control with reinforced construction featuring double side seams and a strengthened bottom. Users consistently praise their superior strength, flexibility, and ability to neutralize food and bacterial odors without overpowering chemical scents. At its current price point for 34 bags, they represent a premium option that justifies the higher price through reduced breakage and fewer trips to the curb.
The Bad
- Premium pricing - higher cost than standard trash bags
- Occasional punctures possible with sharp objects despite reinforcement
The Good
- Perfect fit for simplehuman Code Q cans
- Heavy-duty tear and puncture resistant construction
- Exceptional value: 200 bags at affordable price
- Strong drawstrings prevent spills and leaks
Plasticplace Custom Fit Trash Bags (Code Q, 200 Count)
These tear-resistant 1.2 mil trash bags offer a cost-effective alternative to name-brand simplehuman Code Q bags, with strong drawstrings and reliable performance. Highly praised by customers for durability, perfect fit, and excellent value, though occasional packaging and opacity variations have been noted.
The Bad
- Inconsistent packaging and storage convenience
- Slightly less opaque than original brand bags
The Good
- Thick, durable construction resists tears and leaks
- Truly unscented with no artificial fragrances
- Dependable drawstring closure for easy sealing and carrying
- Excellent value for high-quality performance
Hefty Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags
Hefty Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags deliver reliable performance with thick, puncture-resistant construction and dependable drawstring closures. Users consistently praise their strength for handling heavy loads, perfect fit in standard kitchen cans, and genuinely unscented formula. At its current price point for 90 bags, they offer excellent value as a practical, no-nonsense choice for everyday household waste management.
The Bad
- Slightly higher price than basic store brands
- Not the strongest option if maximum durability needed
The Good
- Triple-action technology prevents punctures, tears, and leaks
- Stretches to accommodate large or oddly-shaped items
- Durable drawstring closure handles heavy loads
- Excellent durability and strength at a competitive price point
Hefty Ultra Strong 30 Gallon Trash Bags
Hefty Ultra Strong trash bags deliver exceptional durability and strength for heavy-duty household and moving tasks. With triple-action technology, reinforced drawstrings, and impressive puncture resistance, these 30-gallon bags consistently earn praise for their ability to handle "pokey" garbage and unusual shapes without tearing. A reliable choice at its current price point.
The Bad
- Scent inconsistency reported despite unscented label
- Higher price point compared to budget alternatives
The Good
- 1.4 mil thickness holds up to 60+ pounds without tearing
- Individually folded bags with easy visibility and portability
- Excellent value at half the cost of major brands
- Made proudly in the USA
Ultrasac Black Large Heavy Duty Drawstring Trash Bags 33 Gallon
Ultrasac 33-gallon trash bags deliver professional-grade durability at budget-friendly prices, with individually packaged bags and impressive 1.4 mil thickness that handles heavy loads without tearing. Users consistently praise their strength and value, though some report occasional drawstring durability issues and a chemical smell upon opening.
The Bad
- Drawstring can tear when pulling too hard during use
- Strong tire-like smell upon opening reported by some users
The Good
- Excellent price with strong durability and thickness
- Durable drawstring closure and reliable performance
- Clear blue color signals recycling intent
- Holds sharp cans and glass without tearing
Amazon Basics Blue Recycling Trash Bags, 13 Gallon
Amazon Basics Blue Recycling Bags deliver reliable performance for household recycling at an excellent price point. These 13-gallon drawstring bags offer strong durability and a clear color signal for easy sorting, with customers praising their thickness and leak resistance. While most users appreciate their value and quality, some note potential fit issues with certain bin sizes when using the drawstring closure.
The Bad
- Drawstring may limit fit on some bin rims
- Not suitable for all 13-gallon bin types
The Good
- Exceptional strength and durability resist punctures and tears
- Flexible design accommodates heavy loads and sharp objects
- Effective odor control with OdorShield technology
- Great value at bulk pricing for households
Glad ForceFlex 13 Gallon Trash Bags
Glad ForceFlex trash bags deliver superior durability and odor control for kitchens and commercial spaces. The patented dual-layer ForceFlex technology resists punctures and rips while the drawstring design prevents leaks. Most reviewers praise their strength, though some report quality inconsistencies in sealing.
The Bad
- Occasional quality control issues with bag seals
- Premium pricing compared to budget alternatives
The Good
- Durable 0.9 mil thickness resists tearing effectively
- Strong red drawstrings hold up under normal use
- Exceptional value at an affordable price point
- Excellent opacity keeps trash contents hidden
Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags
Amazon Basics 13-gallon drawstring trash bags deliver solid durability and excellent value for everyday kitchen use. With 0.9 mil thickness, sturdy red drawstrings, and ample capacity, these bags consistently resist tearing under normal household waste loads. Users praise their reliability and cost-effectiveness, though heavy or sharp items may require careful loading.
The Bad
- Drawstring may snap if bag significantly overfilled
- Less flexible than premium competitor alternatives
The Good
- Perfect fit for small trash cans and bathrooms
- Thick, durable construction prevents tears and leaks
- Unscented and versatile for multiple household uses
- Reliable quality at a competitive price
Glad Trash Bags 4 Gallon Small
Glad's 4-gallon trash bags deliver reliable performance for small household needs and bathroom wastebaskets. These unscented bags offer solid durability with minimal tearing or leaking issues, though some users report occasional weakening compared to past quality. Overall, they represent good value for everyday trash disposal.
The Bad
- Some users report decreased strength compared to previous versions
- Generic alternative bags offer comparable performance
The Good
- Exceptional value compared to name-brand alternatives
- Durable construction resists tears and leaks consistently
- Convenient red drawstring handles for easy tying
- Eco-friendly with 10% recycled material content
Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags
Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags deliver reliable everyday performance at an exceptional value. Made with 10% post-consumer recycled material and featuring durable construction with convenient drawstring handles, these bags consistently prevent leaks and tears under normal household use. While most customers report excellent durability and quality comparable to premium brands, occasional defects in recent batches have raised concerns about consistency.
The Bad
- Recent batches show quality control inconsistencies
- Occasional defective drawstrings reported by some buyers
The Good
- 100% compostable and USA-made with certifications
- Holds up well for household food scraps and light waste
- Effective odor control in kitchen compost bins
- Eco-conscious alternative to conventional plastic bags
BioBag 13 Gallon Compostable Trash Bags
BioBag's 13-gallon compostable kitchen bags deliver on their eco-friendly promise with BPI certification and made-in-USA manufacturing. While most users praise their durability and composting effectiveness for light-to-medium waste, some batch quality inconsistencies and reduced strength when wet remain concerns for heavy-duty use.
The Bad
- May tear when overfilled or with prolonged wetness
- Quality control issues reported with expired/defective batches
The Good
- Excellent value for the price
- Tear-resistant and reliable for typical household waste
- Easy to separate and identify recycling from trash
- Durable rolls with convenient perforations
Reli. SuperValue 13 Gallon Recycling Bags
These 13-gallon blue recycling bags offer solid value for household use with tear-resistant material and convenient perforated rolls. While reviews praise their affordability, durability for light-to-moderate loads, and easy identification for recycling, users note the thin plastic tears under heavy loads and lacks built-in ties for closure.
The Bad
- Thin plastic tears easily under heavy loads
- No built-in twist ties or sealing strips
The Good
- Certified compostable and environmentally friendly
- Excellent durability and quality construction
- Tall kitchen bag size fits standard cans
- Reduces plastic waste responsibly
IF YOU CARE Certified Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags
IF YOU CARE's certified compostable trash bags offer an eco-friendly solution for conscious consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact. While customers praise their excellent quality and genuine compostability, there are concerns about recent size reductions that may affect value. The product demonstrates solid performance, though potential inconsistencies warrant consideration before purchase.
The Bad
- Recently reduced in size affecting value
- Limited product availability and reviews
The Good
- Made from 55% recycled plastic, environmentally responsible
- No VOC smell and biodegradable materials
- Strong enough for heavy waste without breaking
- Convenient flap tie closure for easy sealing
Seventh Generation Extra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon
These eco-friendly trash bags feature 3-ply construction with 55% recycled content, appealing to sustainability-minded consumers. However, reviews reveal inconsistent durability—while some users praise their strength, others report thinness and durability issues with heavier loads, making them best suited for lightweight kitchen waste.
The Bad
- Inconsistent thickness and durability reports from users
- May tear easily under stress or heavy loads