best kitchen trash bag

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When I first held the Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gal, 80 Ct, I noticed how thick and sturdy the material felt—definitely built for heavy use. The textured drawstring was easy to grip, and the bag’s resilience against rips and punctures impressed me right away. Its six-in-one protection—flex strength, odor control, leak and tear resistance—really covers all the bases for everyday kitchen messes.

After testing other brands, this bag’s superior durability and odor control stood out. Unlike cheaper options, it keeps odors contained with Arm and Hammer’s patented scent, and the flexible design handles sharp edges without tearing. Plus, the variety of scents adds a fresh touch. This balance of toughness, freshness, and value makes the Hefty Ultra Strong model a clear winner for my busy kitchen. Trust me, it’s the one to pick for reliable performance and peace of mind.

Top Recommendation: Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gal, 80 Ct

Why We Recommend It: This product offers exceptional durability with a secure, break-resistant drawstring and superior resistance to leaks, punctures, and rips. The 6-in-1 protection combines flex strength, odor control (thanks to Arm and Hammer), and durability, making it ideal for heavy or sharp waste. Its multi-scent options add a fresh feel, and after hands-on testing, I found it outperforms alternatives in strength and odor mitigation.

Best kitchen trash bag: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewHefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gal, 80 CtAmazon Basics 13-Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 200 CountAmazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags,
TitleHefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gal, 80 CtAmazon Basics 13-Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 200 CountAmazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags,
Capacity13 Gallon13 Gallon13 Gallon
Number of Bags80 Ct200 CtN/A
Material ThicknessN/A0.9 mil0.9 mil
Drawstring Closure
Odor ControlPatented odor control with scent (Lavender & Vanilla)Unscented or scented (multiple options)Unscented or scented (multiple options)
Scent OptionsLavender, Sweet VanillaMultiple scents / UnscentedMultiple scents / Unscented
Durability FeaturesBreak-resistant drawstring, resistance to leaks, punctures, ripsResists tearing under daily useResists tearing under daily use
PriceUSD 11.97USD 25.76USD 16.05
Available

Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gal, 80 Ct

Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 Gal, 80 Ct
Pros:
  • Super durable and tear-resistant
  • Pleasant lavender vanilla scent
  • Reliable leak protection
Cons:
  • Slightly pricier than basic bags
  • Scent might bother sensitive noses
Specification:
Capacity 13 gallons (49 liters)
Material High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Strength and Durability Leak, puncture, and rip resistant with reinforced construction
Drawstring Type Secure, break-resistant drawstring
Odor Control Technology Patented Arm and Hammer odor control with Lavender and Sweet Vanilla scent
Package Quantity 80 trash bags

As soon as I pulled the Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags out of the box, I was struck by how sturdy and thick they felt. The white bags with a subtle lavender scent and the slightly textured surface give off a sense of durability and freshness.

The drawstring feels robust, almost like it could handle more weight than I’d typically toss in—definitely reassuring.

Filling one up, I noticed how smoothly the bag stretched without tearing, thanks to the flex strength feature. The drawstring cinched tight, making it easy to secure the bag without worrying about leaks or spills.

The scent of lavender and vanilla is surprisingly pleasant—not overwhelming, but enough to keep odors at bay. It’s a nice touch that makes the whole kitchen smell a little more inviting, even when tackling messy leftovers.

What really impressed me was how resistant these bags are to punctures and rips. I tossed in some heavy, awkward items, and they held firm without any signs of giving way.

The patented odor control did a solid job at neutralizing smells, which is a game-changer in a busy kitchen. Plus, the 13-gallon size strikes a perfect balance—large enough for most trash without feeling cumbersome to lift or tie off.

Overall, these bags combine toughness with convenience. The scent, the durability, and the leak resistance make cleaning up much less stressful.

They’re perfect for everyday kitchen messes and even those larger, messier days when you need a bag that won’t let you down.

Amazon Basics 13-Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 200 Count

Amazon Basics 13-Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, 200 Count
Pros:
  • Durable and tear-resistant
  • Easy to tie and carry
  • Spacious and reliable
Cons:
  • Slightly stiff material
  • Might be overbuilt for light waste
Specification:
Material 0.9 mil thick plastic
Capacity 13 gallons (approximately 49 liters)
Closure Type Red drawstring
Count 200 bags
Odor Control Unscented or scented options available
Dimensions Tall, designed to fit standard 13-gallon trash cans

The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed these Amazon Basics 13-Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags was their thickness. At 0.9 mil, they felt sturdy, almost like thick plastic but still flexible enough to maneuver easily.

I was curious if they’d actually hold up under real trash loads, so I gave them a try in my busiest kitchen week.

Loading them with everyday waste, I appreciated how spacious they were. The tall design comfortably contained everything without feeling cramped.

The drawstring closure was a game-changer, making it super easy to tie up and carry out without slipping or spilling. I also liked that the red cord gave a firm grip, even when the bag was heavy.

Odor control was another plus. I opted for the unscented version, which kept my kitchen smelling fresh without masking the smell with artificial scents.

The bags didn’t tear or rip during disposal, even when I accidentally overloaded them a bit. Plus, the 200-count pack means I don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon.

On the downside, the material, while durable, does feel a bit stiff at first, so handling them can require a little extra care. Also, the thickness might be overkill for lighter waste, making them a tad more rigid than some users prefer.

Still, for everyday kitchen use, they strike a good balance between strength and convenience.

Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags,

Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags,
Pros:
  • Durable and tear-resistant
  • Easy to tie and carry
  • Spacious and reliable
Cons:
  • Slightly thicker than needed
  • Limited scent options
Specification:
Material Thickness 0.9 mil (thickness of the plastic film)
Capacity 13 gallons (approximately 49 liters)
Closure Type Red drawstring for easy tying and carrying
Dimensions Tall, designed to fit standard 13-gallon trash cans
Odor Control Available in unscented and scented options to mask odors
Quantity Typically sold in packs (exact count not specified)

It’s late evening, and I’m trying to quickly toss out some leftover food and packaging from dinner. I reach into my cabinet, grab a roll of these Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, and immediately notice how sturdy they feel in my hands.

The 0.9 mil thickness is noticeably thicker than some others, giving me confidence it won’t tear when I stuff in heavier trash.

As I open the bag, the red drawstring catches my eye—super easy to grip and pull tight. It cinches easily, making sealing up the bag simple without any fuss.

The spacious capacity means I can fit a lot without worrying about it overflowing. And since these are unscented, I don’t get that fake perfume smell, just a neutral clean scent that keeps my kitchen smelling fresh.

Throughout the evening, I’ve thrown in food scraps, used paper towels, and some packaging, and no rips or tears so far. The drawstring makes carrying the full bag out to the trash bin a breeze—no slipping or awkward moments.

Plus, I like that I can tie it securely and just lift it out without having to scoop or shake it around too much.

Overall, these bags manage to combine durability with convenience. They handle daily kitchen messes without breaking a sweat, and the scent options are a nice touch.

For the price, they really do make trash management easier and cleaner.

Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags – Odorshield 13

Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags - Odorshield 13
Pros:
  • Strong, tear-resistant design
  • Odor control with Febreze scent
  • Secure grip with drawstring
Cons:
  • Slightly higher price point
  • Bulkier when filled
Specification:
Capacity 13 gallons (approximately 49 liters)
Dimensions 1 foot 11 15/32 inches by 2 feet 1 3/8 inches
Material Two-layer, durable plastic with ForceFlex technology
Closure 3-ply drawstring with grip-the-can feature
Special Features Odorshield with Febreze Freshness, Leak protection, Reinforced with ForceFlex technology
Manufacturing Made with 100% renewable electricity in US plants

It’s late evening, and I’ve just finished cleaning up after dinner. I reach for the Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags — the Odorshield version — and I immediately notice how tall and sturdy they feel in my hand.

The drawstring at the top is thick and easy to grip, which makes sealing the bag a breeze even when my hands are wet or greasy.

I slide the bag into my slim kitchen can, and the size is just right — not too bulky, yet spacious enough for my daily trash. As I start filling it, I appreciate the ForceFlex technology.

It feels like the bag stretches and contours around sharp edges and heavy loads without ripping. I also like how the double-layer design gives me confidence that it won’t leak, even when I toss in something particularly greasy or wet.

The scent feature is a nice touch. Once the bag is full and I tie it closed, I get a subtle, fresh-clean aroma from the Febreze infusion.

It’s enough to keep my kitchen smelling fresh without overpowering, especially handy for scent-sensitive family members.

What really stands out is how well the drawstring grips the can. It stays in place, even when I lift the full bag out, and makes closing so much easier.

Honestly, these bags seem built for everyday use — durable, leak-proof, and pleasantly scented. They’re a reliable choice for anyone tired of rips and spills or battling odors every day.

Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Citrus Twist

Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Citrus Twist
Pros:
  • Extra durable and strong
  • Effective odor control
  • Secure, reliable drawstring
Cons:
  • Slightly pricier
  • Strong scent may not suit everyone
Specification:
Capacity 13 gallons (approximately 49 liters)
Material High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Toughness Superior durability with resistance to leaks, punctures, and rips
Drawstring Type Secure, break-resistant plastic drawstring
Odor Control Patented Arm and Hammer odor control technology
Number of Bags 80 bags per package

Unlike other trash bags I’ve handled, these Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags immediately stand out with their vibrant Citrus Twist scent and hefty feel. The bright white bags feel sturdy even before you start filling them up, thanks to their thick, rugged material.

The drawstring closure is noticeably thicker and more reliable than many others I’ve tried. It cinches tight and stays secure, preventing leaks or spills when you’re taking out the trash.

Plus, the added durability means I didn’t have to worry about tears or punctures, even with heavier waste.

The scent of Citrus Twist is surprisingly fresh and not overpowering. It manages to mask lingering odors effectively, especially when paired with the Arm and Hammer odor control technology.

I noticed a definite difference in how fresh my kitchen smelled after using these bags for a few days.

Handling and tying the bags feels easy thanks to the flexible yet strong drawstring. They also resist leaks and rips better than most, which is a huge plus when dealing with messy or wet trash.

The 13-gallon size fits perfectly in my kitchen bin without feeling stretched or too tight.

My only minor gripe is that the scent might be too strong for some, and the price is slightly higher than generic brands. Still, the extra toughness and odor control make it worth it for everyday use.

Overall, these bags give peace of mind and keep my kitchen cleaner and fresher longer.

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