The Best Garbage Bags

Everyone has to throw out garbage, which means that all of us need to buy garbage bags. There might be nothing as frustrating as having a bag tear as you pull it out of the garbage can or finding that the garbage bags you have fall into your garbage can as you fill it up. It’s important to have the trash bags you need for the can that you have.

We took a look at dozens of different types of garbage bags so we could tell you what we like best in a variety of categories. We looked at large and small garbage bags, heavy-duty ones and lightweight ones. Below, you’ll find our top five. Our list is based on value, quality, and how Amazon customers describe their experiences.

You’ll be happy to know that you don’t even have to leave home to acquire these garbage bags, because they are all available on Amazon and will be delivered to your door.

Best Garbage Bag Overall
Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags
No match for stinky garbage, these tear-resistant bags keep your trash can smelling fresh.

Our top pick goes to Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags. These are made for a 13-gallon kitchen garbage can; they’ll also work if your can is a bit smaller. The drawstring will help keep the bag standing upright in your trash can rather than falling inside of the can. The unique diamond design allows the bag to stretch without tearing.

The 5 Top-Rated Garbage Bags

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best Garbage Bags OverallGlad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags 4.7
Best Clear Garbage BagsTrash Away Heavy Duty Clear Recycling Bags
4.4
Best Budget Garbage BagsSolimo Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags4.6
Best Heavy Duty Large Garbage BagsHeavy Duty Contractor Bags by Ultrasac4.4
Best Bathroom Garbage BagsForid Small Trash Bags 4.7

*Ratings are from Amazon and might change over time.

Best Garbage Bags Overall: Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

Best Garbage Bag Overall
Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags
No match for stinky garbage, these tear-resistant bags keep your trash can smelling fresh.

Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags made our top spot thanks to a unique non-tear design, a drawstring at the top of the bag, and other features that make it a great option. You’ll notice that there’s a diamond pattern. This allows the bag to stretch in various directions without tearing. If you’ve ever picked up a heavy trash bag only to have its contents splatter on the floor, you know how important that feature is!

The drawstring closure is convenient and lets you tie it up without getting your hands dirty. These bags also have a clean linen scent, which keeps your garbage can stink-free in between washings. The odor shield makes this bag a great choice if you have a baby or toddler at home, as it will keep any diaper odors contained.

These bags are tall enough for a standard 13-gallon trash can; they can also be used in smaller 9- or 10-gallon cans if yours is smaller. This is a box of 100 bags, so it should last you a long time.

Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags Key Features:

  • Box of 100 13-gallon bags
  • Diamond force flex pattern resists tearing
  • Drawstring bag
  • Fresh linen scent
  • Odor shield
  • Made of recyclable material

Best Clear Garbage Bags: Trash Away Heavy Duty Clear Recycling Bags

Best Clear Garbage Bags
Trash Away Heavy Duty Clear Recycling Bags
These clear bags are heavy-duty, so they will hold what you need them to.

Do you need or prefer clear garbage bags? If so, we recommend Trash Away Heavy Duty Clear Recycling Bags to meet this need. These are large enough for a 30-gallon trash can, or you can use them in the garage to hold your recycling until it’s time to tie up the bags and put them out for collection. They are also perfect for storing items and keeping them dust-free and also visible. These garbage bags have flap ties; simply tie them at opposite ends to secure the bags closed.

This is a box of thirty 30-gallon clear garbage bags. They are heavy-duty and should hold up well. The company also makes other garbage bags, including 13-gallon clear recycling bags, which are simply a smaller version of this product. You can also choose blue recycling bags and drawstring bags of various sizes and strengths.

Trash Away Heavy Duty Clear Recycling Bags Key Features:

  • Clear recycling bags
  • Thirty 30-gallon bags
  • Good for storing items
  • Heavy duty
  • Flap closure
  • Other varieties available

Best Budget Garbage Bags: Solimo Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

Best Budget Garbage Bags
Solimo Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags
Drawstring closures and a fresh scent make these bags easy to use and easy on your wallet.

Solimo Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags made our first choice among budget-friendly garbage bags. This a package of 45 13-gallon garbage bags that will fit in most standard kitchen garbage cans. The bags are white and they have a red drawstring for ease of closure and carrying. You can be sure of the quality because this is an Amazon brand. There is also a money-back guarantee that you can take advantage of if the trash bags don’t meet your expectations.

These bags have a fresh, clean scent, which makes them a great choice for your kitchen garbage. Forget about having lingering trash odors wafting through your home; they will keep your trash can smelling pleasant in between washings. The company also offers unscented 13-gallon bags, as well as both scented and unscented 30-gallon bags.

Solimo Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags Key Features:

  • This is an Amazon brand
  • 45 13-gallon bags
  • Fit standard kitchen trash cans
  • Fresh, clean scent
  • Drawstring closure
  • Various other trash bags available
  • Money-back guarantee

Best Large Heavy-Duty Garbage Bags: Heavy Duty Contractor Bags by Ultrasac

Best Large Heavy-Duty Bags
Heavy Duty Contractor Bags by Ultrasac
These 42-gallon trash bags will stand up to your biggest jobs.

Do you need heavy-duty garbage bags for lawn and garden purposes? Our favorite in that category goes to Heavy Duty Contractor Bags by Ultrasac. This is a package of fifty 42-gallon bags that will be able to handle your biggest jobs. These resist punctures and tears, so your clean-up experience will remain frustration-free. They tie up nicely with flap closures, and they are dispensed from their box one at a time to make it easier to grab a bag as you need one.

These bags are made from 90 percent recycled material, making them a good choice for those who want to use eco-friendly products. They have a thickness of 3 MIL, which means they can handle sharp and unwieldy debris, such as the materials you might need to throw away after a home improvement project. You can use these to throw away drywall, branches, nails, and more.

Heavy-Duty Contractor Bags by Ultrasac Key Features:

  • Fifty 42-gallon bags
  • Black
  • Flap closure
  • Made of 90% recycled material
  • 3 MIL thickness
  • Puncture- and tear-resistant

Best Bathroom Garbage Bags: Forid Small Trash Bags

Best Bathroom Garbage Bags
Forid Small Trash Bags
Scent-free, colorful garbage bags add character and convenience to your bathroom.

Forid Small Trash Bags made our top spot among garbage bags for the bathroom trash can. This is a large package of small bags, containing 150 bags (30 each of five colors). They fit perfectly in cans up to 2.6 gallons, and you can use them not only in the bathroom but also in bedrooms, the office, and anywhere else you might have a small waste basket. These small bags could also be used as animal waste bags or to dispose of diapers rather than toss them in the kitchen garbage. They are also a great addition to any car and can be used for a variety of trash and messes.

These will fit a trash can measuring up to 16″ high and 10″ across. They are sealed across the bottom to reduce any leakage, but they are not waterproof. Because they are scent-free, they won’t irritate allergies or annoy those with sensitive noses.

Forid Small Trash Bags Key Features:

  • Package contains 150 bags
  • 30 each of five colors
  • Can be used for a variety of applications
  • Hold up to 2.6 gallons
  • Fit trash cans up to 16 x 10 inches
  • Scent-free

You might not think that the garbage bags you buy will make a difference, but if you’ve ever struggled with one that was poor quality or not right for what you were using it for, you know that it’s an important decision! We hope that we’ve made your job a bit easier with this top 5 list. If it’s a new trash can you’re looking for, check out our list of the best step trash cans, as well!