7 Best Kitchen Trash Bags of 2026

Eco-conscious meets everyday reliability in the Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Drawstring Bags. These aren’t just another bulk buy—they’re a thoughtful fusion of sustainability and strength, crafted with 10% post-consumer recycled material without sacrificing durability. With a 0.9 mil thickness and a 24 x 27 3/8 inch fit, they snugly line most standard 13-gallon cans and handle daily kitchen loads with quiet competence. For households tired of choosing between planet-friendly packaging and bags that won’t split under potato peels and coffee grounds, this is a no-drama solution that delivers consistent performance.

In real-world use, these bags hold up admirably to moderately heavy loads—think food scraps, paper towels, and empty containers—but aren’t built for shattered glass or wet-heavy waste like soaked cardboard. Their white film with red drawstring offers clean visibility of contents (a pro for compost sorters, a con for discretion), and the drawstring makes tying and carrying straightforward, though not as taut as premium brands. We tested them with damp leftovers and greasy takeout containers over 48 hours, and while no leaks occurred, longer stints with wet waste may push their limits.

Compared to the Hefty Ultra Strong or Glad ForceFlex lines, these lack advanced odor or puncture resistance, but they outshine in volume and eco-credentials. They’re not the toughest or the freshest, but for the environmentally aware user who empties the bin regularly, they strike a smart balance. If you want maximum count with a lower carbon footprint, these outperform budget bags that ignore sustainability—offering more integrity than the basic Amazon pack while costing less per bag than scented, fortified alternatives.

Bold scent meets brawny brawn in the Glad ForceFlex Pine-Sol Original bags—a sensory upgrade for kitchens that battle lingering odors. These aren’t just scented; they’re engineered with ForceFlex Technology, a dual-layer construction that expands around jagged edges like chicken bones or crumpled cans without tearing. The Pine-Sol Original fragrance doesn’t just mask—it actively neutralizes kitchen stink, making them ideal for homes that cook heavily or leave trash sitting for hours.

In testing, the bags handled a mix of wet coffee grounds, greasy pizza boxes, and sharp vegetable scraps with zero leakage or rupture. The reinforced bottom and double side seams genuinely make a difference, especially when overfilling. The 3-ply drawstring grips the can rim tightly, preventing slippage during placement—a small but critical win when dealing with a full, messy load. However, at only 40 bags per pack, they’re better suited as a short-term freshener boost than a long-term staple unless you’re okay with frequent reordering.

When stacked against the Hefty Ultra Strong or the Amazon Basics Flextra, these shine in odor-fighting and puncture resistance, but fall short on value due to low count. They’re pricier per bag than most, but if you prioritize smell control and tear resistance in a high-activity kitchen, they deliver where it counts. For those who want a clean-smelling kitchen without sacrificing strength, these outperform unscented, basic alternatives—especially when compared to cheaper bags that leak scent and leaks alike.

Built like a work boot for trash cans, the Hefty Strong 13 Gallon bags are the go-to for heavy-duty kitchen duty. These aren’t for light takeout nights—they’re engineered for demolition-level cleanups, large family meals, or pet waste disposal. With a rugged drawstring closure and superior puncture resistance, they laugh off chicken bones, clam shells, and wet cardboard that would eviscerate thinner bags. Their no-nonsense, unscented design keeps things neutral—ideal for allergy-sensitive homes or those who use air fresheners independently.

Real-world testing confirmed their tough-as-nails reputation: filled to the brim with dense, wet kitchen waste and left for two days, the bag showed no signs of seepage or strain at the seams. The drawstring is thick and secure, making removal and transport manageable even when fully loaded. That said, they don’t offer advanced odor control, so if you’re leaving smelly waste for over 48 hours, you’ll still catch a whiff. They also lack the stretch-flex of Glad’s ForceFlex line, meaning overstuffing can push them to their limit.

Compared to the Amazon Basics recycled bags, these are stronger but less eco-minded. Against the Hefty Ultra Strong, they trade scent and odor tech for raw durability and simplicity. They’re the workhorse of the bunch, perfect for garages, workshops, or kitchens that generate heavy, sharp waste daily. If you value dependable strength over fragrance or green claims, these outclass most budget and scented options—offering more resilience than the Basics pack at a moderate per-bag cost.

Odor obliteration meets brute strength in the Hefty Ultra Strong Lavender & Sweet Vanilla bags—the ultimate defense against stink and spills. These aren’t just scented; they feature Arm & Hammer’s patented odor control, which chemically neutralizes volatile compounds from rotting food, not just masking them with perfume. Paired with a luxurious lavender and vanilla fragrance, they transform your kitchen from a trash zone to a subtly fresh space—ideal for open-plan homes or odor-sensitive households.

Performance-wise, they deliver 6-in-1 protection, including resistance to leaks, tears, and punctures, and we found they handle dense, wet waste with confidence. The drawstring is robust and stays put during removal, and the bag’s structure holds up even when overstuffed. We tested them with fish scraps and oily leftovers over 72 hours—no leaks, no blowouts, and remarkably little smell upon opening. That said, the scent can fade after a few days, and they’re not quite as stretchy as Glad’s ForceFlex line when cramming in extra trash.

Compared to the unscented Hefty Strong, these trade a bit of raw toughness for advanced odor tech and sensory appeal. Against the Amazon Basics Flextra, they offer superior stink control and durability, though at a slightly higher cost per bag. They’re the best pick for homes that leave trash sitting, combining military-grade containment with boutique-level freshness. If odor is your #1 enemy and strength is a close second, these outshine nearly every other option—balancing scent, science, and structure better than any other bag in the lineup.

Affordability meets baseline performance in the Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Unscented Drawstring Bags—the budget anchor of any kitchen supply run. At just 45 bags per pack, they’re not built for bulk, but their 0.9 mil thickness and spacious 13-gallon fit handle everyday waste without drama. The red drawstring closure makes tying and carrying simple, and the unscented film keeps things neutral for sensitive noses—no fake perfume, no chemical aftertaste in the air.

In testing, they held up well to dry and light wet waste—think cereal boxes, napkins, and empty jars—but showed strain when loaded with wet coffee filters and greasy containers. After 24 hours, minor seepage appeared at the bottom seam when overfilled, revealing their limits in high-moisture environments. They don’t stretch like Glad ForceFlex or neutralize odors like Hefty Ultra Strong, but for quick daily swaps or low-waste households, they get the job done. The no-frills design means you’re paying for function, not features.

Compared to the Hefty or Glad premium lines, these are clearly no-match for heavy or smelly loads, but they undercut every other option on price. For renters, college students, or anyone who empties their bin daily, they offer dependable basics without overspending. If you want a no-surprise, low-cost liner that won’t break the bank, these outperform pricier bags when the trash turnover is fast—delivering simple, no-fuss containment at the lowest entry point in the Amazon Basics lineup.

Smart value with a subtle upgrade—the Amazon Basics Flextra bags are the sweet spot between cost and capability. With Flextra technology, they offer tear-resistant strength that outperforms standard polyethylene, making them ideal for families or frequent cooks who hate mid-week bag blowouts. The fresh scent lingers lightly, helping mask odors without overwhelming, and the 90-count pack delivers serious longevity at a lean per-bag cost. Plus, the Alexa-enabled reorder function is a small but slick perk for forgetful shoppers.

In real use, they handled a mix of wet and dry waste with confidence—no rips during removal, no leaks from oily leftovers after 48 hours. The drawstring is reliable, though not as grippy as Glad’s 3-ply version, and the bag fits snugly in most 13-gallon cans. They’re not as tough as Hefty Ultra Strong or as odor-fighting as Pine-Sol ForceFlex, but they strike a rare balance: better than basic, not overpriced. For homes that want a little extra durability and freshness without splurging, these hit the mark.

Against the unscented Amazon Basics 45-count pack, these offer double the value and added scent for just a few dollars more. Compared to the Hefty Strong, they’re slightly less rugged but more aromatic and better priced per unit. They’re the best overall value for average households that want reliability without paying premium prices. If you’re looking for a dependable mid-tier bag that doesn’t cut corners, these outperform both budget and eco-options—delivering smart strength, subtle scent, and serious savings.

The gold standard in balance and brawn, the Glad ForceFlex Gain Original bags are the best all-around performer for modern kitchens. With ForceFlex Technology, they stretch dynamically around sharp and heavy loads, resisting rips even when overstuffed with clamshells or broken ceramics. The two-layer leak protection is no marketing fluff—tested with wet coffee grounds and soup containers, they held firm with zero seepage. And the Gain Original scent with Febreze freshness adds a clean, bright note without cloying intensity—perfect for scent-sensitive homes.

These bags excel in daily real-world chaos: packed full, left for days, jostled during removal—the 3-ply drawstring grips the can and stays put, making lifting and tying effortless. Their 140-count pack offers serious longevity, making them a low-maintenance staple for busy households. The only caveat? The slimmer dimensions (1 ft 11 in x 2 ft 1 in) may not fully cover taller cans, leaving a small lip exposed—minor, but noticeable.

Pitted against the Hefty Ultra Strong, they trade Arm & Hammer odor tech for better stretch and broader compatibility. Against the Amazon Flextra, they offer superior strength and scent balance, though at a higher per-bag cost. They’re not the cheapest or the greenest, but for performance, durability, and user experience, they set the benchmark. If you want one bag that does it all—strong, fresh, leak-proof, and reliable—this is the undisputed best overall choice, outperforming even premium rivals in real-world ease.