Ever feel like your trash bag is playing a game of hide-and-seek with your garbage can? You know the feeling: you stuff it full, and then it just… slumps. Or worse, it rips, leaving a messy disaster. Choosing the right tall kitchen trash bag can feel like a bigger chore than taking out the trash itself!
There are so many brands, each claiming to be the strongest, the stretchiest, or the best at fighting odors. It’s enough to make your head spin. But a good trash bag is more than just a liner; it’s your first line of defense against spills, leaks, and those unwelcome smells. Getting it wrong means more cleaning, more frustration, and a less pleasant kitchen.
In this post, we’ll break down what really matters when you’re picking out those essential tall kitchen trash bags. We’ll explore the features that make a difference, help you understand what those fancy terms on the box actually mean, and guide you toward a bag that won’t let you down. Get ready to say goodbye to trash bag troubles and hello to a cleaner, easier kitchen routine!
Our Top 5 Tall Kitchen Trash Bags Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tall Kitchen Trash Bags Detailed Reviews
1. Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of trash bags that rip and stink up your kitchen? Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags in Lavender & Sweet Vanilla scent are here to help! This 80-count package gives you 13-gallon bags that are tough enough for your everyday messes.
What We Like:
- These bags are super strong. They won’t break or tear easily.
- The drawstring is tough. It stays shut and makes carrying the bag simple.
- The Lavender & Sweet Vanilla scent is nice. It covers up bad smells.
- Arm & Hammer odor control works great. It fights odors and keeps your kitchen fresh.
- You get six great features in one bag: it flexes, has a strong drawstring, controls odors, and resists leaks, punctures, and rips.
- The 13-gallon size is perfect for most kitchen trash cans.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scent might be too strong for some people.
- While durable, very sharp objects could still potentially puncture the bag.
Hefty Ultra Strong bags offer reliable performance and a pleasant scent. They make taking out the trash a little less of a chore.
2. Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of flimsy trash bags that rip and tear? The Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags are here to save your day. This 80-count box offers a reliable solution for your kitchen trash needs, and they even come with a pleasant Clean Fresh scent to keep odors at bay. Plus, you can feel good knowing they’re made with 10% post-consumer recycled material, helping to divert waste from landfills.
What We Like:
- The 13-gallon capacity fits most standard tall kitchen trash cans perfectly.
- The drawstring closure makes tying and carrying the bags a breeze.
- The Clean Fresh scent helps to mask unpleasant kitchen smells.
- Made with 10% recycled materials, which is a nice eco-friendly touch.
- The 0.9 mil thickness provides good durability for everyday use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While generally strong, very heavy or wet trash might still pose a risk of tearing for some users.
- The white color, while clean-looking, might show stains more easily than darker bags.
These Amazon Basics trash bags are a solid choice for busy households. They offer convenience and a touch of environmental responsibility, making kitchen cleanup a little easier.
3. Glad Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of trash bags that rip and smell? Glad Tall Kitchen Trash Bags in Fragrance-Free, 13-gallon size, with OdorShield and a convenient drawstring, are here to help! This 110-count pack offers a solution for your everyday kitchen needs, keeping your home fresh and clean.
What We Like:
- FORCEFLEX Technology: These bags have a special double layer that stretches. This means they won’t easily rip or tear, even with sharp objects or heavy loads.
- Fragrance-Free: If you don’t like strong smells, these bags are perfect. They don’t have any added perfumes, making them a great choice for sensitive noses.
- Grips-The-Can Drawstring: The drawstring stays put, so your bag won’t fall into the trash can. It also makes carrying the trash out easy and secure.
- 13 Gallon Size: These bags are made for standard kitchen trash cans. They are strong enough to handle even your heaviest kitchen waste without breaking.
- Made with Renewable Electricity: The company uses clean energy to make these bags in their U.S. factories, which is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the pack size is generous, some users might prefer smaller quantities for easier storage.
- The OdorShield feature is effective, but for extremely strong odors, an additional deodorizer might still be desired by some.
Overall, Glad’s Fragrance-Free Tall Kitchen Trash Bags offer reliable strength and a scent-free experience. They are a practical and environmentally conscious choice for keeping your kitchen tidy.
4. Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags – Odorshield 13 Gallon White Trash Bag
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of trash bags that rip and leak, leaving your kitchen smelling less than fresh? The Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags – Odorshield 13 Gallon White Trash Bag, Febreze Fresh Clean, 110 Count are here to tackle your toughest messes. These bags are designed to keep your kitchen clean and odor-free, making trash day a little less of a chore.
What We Like:
- FORCEFLEX STRENGTH: These bags stretch and expand to handle heavy loads, even with sharp objects. They are very strong.
- GAIN FRESH CLEAN SCENT: Enjoy the pleasant scent of Gain Fresh Clean with Febreze. It makes your kitchen smell nice.
- 2 LAYERS EXTRA LEAK PROTECTION: The bags have two layers to stop leaks and keep liquids from getting out. They are built tough.
- ODOR PROTECTION: OdorShield technology traps and neutralizes bad smells, keeping your kitchen smelling clean.
- GRIPS THE CAN DRAWSTRING: The strong drawstring stays put on the can. It makes closing and carrying the trash easy and secure.
- MADE WITH 100% RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY*: The bags are made using renewable energy, which is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Packaging may vary: This means the look of the box might change.
These trash bags offer a great combination of strength, odor control, and a pleasant scent. They are a solid choice for keeping your kitchen clean and fresh.
5. Amazon Basics Scented Trash Bags
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of trash bags that rip or smell bad? The Amazon Basics Scented Trash Bags are here to help! These 13-gallon bags are designed for your kitchen, making trash day a little less gross. They come in a “Clean Fresh Scent” to keep your kitchen smelling nice.
What We Like:
- DURABLE STRENGTH: These bags are made with a 0.9 mil thickness. That means they are strong and won’t tear easily, even with full loads of kitchen waste.
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The 13-gallon size is perfect for most kitchen trash cans. You get plenty of room for all your food scraps and other garbage.
- EASY TO USE: The red drawstring makes closing the bag and carrying it to the curb super simple. No more fumbling with ties!
- FRESH SCENT: The “Clean Fresh Scent” does a good job of covering up any unpleasant odors. Your kitchen will stay smelling better.
- VERSATILE OPTIONS: If you don’t like the “Clean Fresh Scent,” Amazon Basics offers these bags in other scents or even unscented. You can pick what works best for you.
What Could Be Improved:
- SCENT STRENGTH: For some, the “Clean Fresh Scent” might not be strong enough to completely mask very strong smells.
- DRAWSTRING DURABILITY: While generally good, the drawstring could occasionally be a weak point if the bag is overstuffed.
Overall, these Amazon Basics trash bags are a reliable and affordable option for your kitchen. They offer good strength and a pleasant scent to make trash disposal easier.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Tall Kitchen Trash Bags
Finding the right trash bags for your kitchen can make a big difference. You want bags that hold your garbage without ripping or leaking. This guide will help you choose the best tall kitchen trash bags for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for trash bags, keep these important features in mind:
- Strength: This is probably the most important thing. You need bags that won’t tear open easily when they’re full. Look for words like “heavy duty” or “extra strong.”
- Capacity: Tall kitchen trash bags are designed for standard 13-gallon trash cans. Make sure the bags you buy fit your can properly. A bag that’s too small will overflow, and one that’s too big can be messy.
- Drawstring Closure: Most tall kitchen trash bags have drawstrings. These make it easy to tie the bag shut and carry it out. Some drawstrings are stronger than others, so check how they feel.
- Odor Control: If your trash tends to smell, look for bags with odor control features. These often have baking soda or other ingredients to trap smells.
- Thickness (Mil): The thickness of a trash bag is measured in “mils.” A higher mil number means a thicker, stronger bag. For regular kitchen trash, 0.8 to 1.0 mil is usually good. For heavier items, you might want 1.2 mil or more.
Important Materials
Most trash bags are made from plastic. The most common type is polyethylene.
- Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): This is a strong and flexible plastic. It’s good for bags that need to stretch without breaking.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): This plastic is more flexible but less strong than LLDPE.
Some bags might also include:
- Recycled Content: Many brands now use recycled plastic to make their bags. This is better for the environment.
- Additives: Companies might add things like odor neutralizers or colorants to the plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a trash bag better or worse:
- Reinforced Bottom: A bag with a reinforced bottom is less likely to leak. This means the plastic is thicker or sealed in a special way at the bottom.
- Easy-Tear Perforation: When you pull bags from the roll, you want them to separate easily without ripping the next bag.
- Consistent Thickness: A bag that has the same thickness all over is usually stronger than one with thin spots. Thin spots are weak points where tears can start.
- Poor Sealing: If the seams of the bag aren’t sealed well, leaks can happen. This is a common problem that reduces quality.
- Brittle Plastic: If the plastic feels stiff and brittle, it’s more likely to crack or tear, especially in cold temperatures.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using the right trash bags makes your daily chores easier.
- Everyday Kitchen Waste: For regular food scraps, paper, and general kitchen mess, a standard 13-gallon bag with good strength is perfect.
- Heavier Loads: If you often throw away things like leftover bones, vegetable peelings, or packaging from meat, a thicker, heavy-duty bag is a good choice. This prevents rips and leaks.
- Hosting Parties: When you have guests, your trash can fills up faster. Strong bags with good capacity will save you from double-bagging or messy cleanups.
- Odor-Prone Items: For things like diapers or pet waste, bags with odor control can be a lifesaver. They help keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “mil” mean for trash bags?
A: “Mil” is a unit of measurement for the thickness of the plastic. A higher mil number means a thicker, stronger bag.
Q: Are all tall kitchen trash bags 13 gallons?
A: Most tall kitchen trash bags are designed for standard 13-gallon trash cans, but always check the product label to be sure.
Q: How can I tell if a trash bag is strong?
A: Look for keywords like “heavy duty” or “extra strong.” Also, check the mil thickness – higher numbers mean more strength.
Q: What if my trash bag always rips?
A: Try using a bag with a higher mil thickness or one made with LLDPE plastic. Also, make sure you’re not overfilling the bag.
Q: Do odor-control bags really work?
A: Yes, many odor-control bags contain ingredients like baking soda that absorb and trap smells, making your kitchen fresher.
Q: Is recycled plastic as strong as new plastic?
A: Modern recycling methods can create very strong recycled plastic. Many brands use recycled content without sacrificing strength.
Q: How do I avoid leaks?
A: Choose bags with reinforced bottoms and ensure the seams are well-sealed. Don’t let liquids build up too much at the bottom.
Q: What is a drawstring closure for?
A: The drawstring makes it easy to tie the bag shut securely and to carry it without the contents spilling out.
Q: Can I use a thicker bag for regular trash?
A: Yes, you can, but it might be more expensive. For everyday kitchen waste, a standard thickness bag is usually sufficient.
Q: Are there eco-friendly options?
A: Yes, many brands offer bags made from recycled materials or plant-based plastics, which are more environmentally friendly choices.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!