Best 13-Gallon Trash Bags

Last Updated: May 9, 2023 @ 10:58 am.

Best 13 Gallon Trash Bags

What makes for a great trash bag?

Thirteen gallon trash bags are probably the most common bag sold today, as they fit standard kitchen trash cans. We gathered several major brands to test strength, stretch and affordability.

After testing, we realized there are several features that make for a great trash bag:

• Plastic thickness and seam construction. Yes, the more expensive bags have thicker plastic and double or triple seam construction. That keeps them from breaking when stuffed.

• Drawstring quality. Nothing is more frustrating than drawstrings that break. The better bags have three-ply drawstrings that perform better in the real world.

• Stretch. This is an issue if you have an odd-shaped trash can—you may need to stretch the bag over the opening. And some bags have more stretch than others.

Finally, we come to that feature that has both fans and detractors: scent or perfumes. Some bags are infused with odor protection, from lavender to baking soda. You’ll see folks who think scented bags are the best thing since sliced bread . . . and others who detest the scent as too strong. And those with allergies or sensitivities may be better off with unscented bags.

So in our tests, we tried to cover all the bases: the best unscented bags, the best trash bags with flexible design and those that don’t have any frills. Here are the bags we’d recommend.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!