Choosing the Best 13-Gallon Trash Bags at Walmart: A Comprehensive Guide

Let’s face it: dealing with trash is a universal chore, and a flimsy trash bag can turn a simple task into a messy disaster. With countless options lining the shelves, finding the perfect 13-gallon trash bag that meets your needs for strength, odor control, and value can feel overwhelming. This guide, drawing on extensive experience in home goods, will help you navigate the choices at Walmart, ensuring you pick the best bags for a cleaner, fresher home.

Popular Types of 13-Gallon Trash Bags

When you’re looking for 13-gallon tall kitchen trash bags, you’ll primarily encounter a few common types, each designed with different closing mechanisms and features. Understanding these can significantly impact your trash experience.

Drawstring Bags: These are by far the most popular choice for kitchen use. They feature an integrated drawstring that pulls the top of the bag closed, making it easy to tie, lift, and carry, even when full. Brands like Great Value, Hefty, and Glad all offer robust drawstring options. Their main advantage is the secure closure, which helps contain odors and prevents spills during transport.

Flap-Tie Bags: Less common for 13-gallon kitchen cans but still available, flap-tie bags have four flaps at the top that can be tied together. While generally more affordable, they can be less convenient to seal tightly compared to drawstrings and may not offer the same level of odor containment.

Eco-Friendly/Sustainable Options: As environmental consciousness grows, so does the availability of sustainable trash bags. You’ll find options made from recycled materials, like those from “Hero, I Was A Milk Jug,” and some brands, including Great Value, are introducing “Sustainable Strong Flex” lines. These bags aim to reduce plastic waste and offer a more environmentally responsible choice for your home.

Top 13-Gallon Trash Bag Brands at Walmart: A Detailed Comparison

Walmart offers a diverse selection of 13-gallon trash bags from leading brands, each with unique selling points. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from the most popular choices.

Great Value: Walmart’s private label brand often delivers a compelling combination of affordability and performance. Great Value 13-gallon bags come in various scents, including Fresh Scent, Citrus Burst, and Lavender Fields, along with unscented options. Their “Strong Flex” line is designed for durability and tear resistance. While generally highly rated for value and strength, some users have noted that specific Great Value bags can be slightly shorter than other brands, which might affect fit in taller cans.

Hefty Ultra Strong: Known for its robust construction, Hefty Ultra Strong 13-gallon trash bags are a go-to for many households dealing with heavy or sharp refuse. These bags often feature a “Tear-Resistant Technology” and are highly effective at odor neutralization, with popular scents like Fabuloso Lavender, Citrus Twist, and Clean Burst. Hefty also offers “Blackout” bags, providing opaque coverage to keep unsightly trash out of view until disposal. They tend to be a reliable, albeit sometimes pricier, option for superior durability.

Glad ForceFlex/MaxStrength: Glad’s ForceFlex technology is designed to stretch and expand around bulky or oddly shaped items, reducing rips and tears. The ForceFlex MaxStrength line offers enhanced durability. These bags are well-regarded for their flexibility and strong drawstring closures, often featuring odor-fighting scents like Bahama Bliss, Gain Original with Febreze Freshness, or Lemon Fresh Bleach. While effective, some consumers have occasionally reported issues with small pinholes or the drawstring pulling out if overly stressed.

Husky: Husky brand trash bags, often found at Walmart, provide a good balance of strength and value. Their 13-gallon tall kitchen drawstring bags are known for being reasonably durable and are available in pleasant scents like lavender, making them a solid choice for everyday kitchen waste without breaking the bank.

Comparison Table: Leading 13-Gallon Trash Bags at Walmart

Our Picks for the Best Trash Bags in 2026 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Num	Product	Action
1	Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Citrus Twist Scent, 13 Gallon, 80 Count
2	Amazon Basics 30 Gallon Flextra Strength Multipurpose Drawstring Trash Bags, 20% Post Consumer Recycled, 50 count
3	Amazon Basics Flextra Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, 13 Gallon, 120 Count
4	Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Lavender & Sweet Vanilla Scent, 13 Gallon, 80 Count
5	Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, 13 Gal, Fragrance Free, 110 Ct (Package May Vary)
6	Amazon Basics Multipurpose Drawstring Trash Bags, 30 Gallon, 50 Count (Previously Solimo)
7	Reli. 55-60 Gallon Trash Bags Heavy Duty - 150 Count - 50-60 Gallon - Large Black Garbage Bags - Made in USA
8	Trash Bags with Drawstring, Leak-Proof Tear-Resistant Waste Bags for Bathroom Can, 20x18 Inch(4 Packs/60 Pack)
9	Hefty Ultra Strong Trash Bags, Black Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon Size, Break Resistant Drawstring Enclosure, Continuous Odor Control, Blackout, Clean Burst Scent, 80 Bags
10	Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, Unscented, 10% Post Consumer Recycled, 200 Count

How to Choose the Right 13-Gallon Trash Bag for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal 13-gallon trash bag isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest option. Your specific needs and the type of waste you generate should guide your decision.

Consider Your Trash: Think about what typically goes into your kitchen bin. Do you frequently dispose of heavy food scraps, sharp plastic packaging, or pointy bones? If so, prioritize bags with reinforced strength, like Hefty Ultra Strong or Glad ForceFlex, to prevent tears and leaks. For lighter, everyday waste, a more economical option like Great Value might suffice.

Odor Control: This is a major factor for kitchen trash. If lingering food smells are a concern, opt for scented bags that offer odor neutralization. Hefty and Glad are particularly known for their effective odor-masking technologies. However, if you are sensitive to fragrances, choose unscented options, which are readily available across all major brands.

Closure Type: For kitchen trash, a drawstring closure is almost always preferred. It allows for quick, easy, and secure sealing, minimizing spills and containing odors as you transport the bag. Flap-tie bags, while functional, generally don’t offer the same level of convenience or security for a full, heavy 13-gallon load.

Bag Fit: While 13-gallon is a standard size for tall kitchen trash cans, bag dimensions can vary slightly by brand. Always check the bag’s measurements (e.g., 24″ x 27″) to ensure it will fit snugly around the rim of your trash can without slipping down or being too tight.

Environmental Impact: If sustainability is important to you, look for bags made from recycled content or those labeled as “sustainable.” While truly compostable options for kitchen trash are less common and often more expensive, brands are increasingly offering more eco-friendly plastic alternatives.

Tips for Effective Use and Storage of Trash Bags

Maximizing the effectiveness and lifespan of your 13-gallon trash bags involves more than just buying the right kind. A few simple practices can make a big difference.

Don’t Overfill: While strong bags can handle a lot, overfilling is the quickest way to cause rips, tears, or a broken drawstring. Leave enough slack to comfortably tie the bag shut. If you frequently overfill your 13-gallon bag, consider whether you might need a larger can or to empty it more often.

Beware of Sharp Objects: Even the strongest bags can be punctured by sharp edges. Try to wrap pointy items like broken glass or hard plastic in newspaper or smaller bags before placing them in the main trash bag.

Store Properly: Keep your unused trash bags in their original packaging, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This helps preserve the integrity of the plastic and any scents they may have. Many people find it convenient to store a roll or two at the bottom of the trash can itself for easy replacement.

Proper Disposal: Always ensure the bag is securely tied before taking it to the curb or dumpster. This prevents spills and helps contain odors, showing consideration for your sanitation workers and community.

Eco-Friendly 13-Gallon Trash Bag Options at Walmart

Choosing environmentally friendly products is becoming increasingly important for many consumers. Walmart is expanding its offerings to include more sustainable choices in the 13-gallon trash bag category.

You can find options like Great Value Sustainable Strong Flex 13-Gallon Drawstring Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, which aim to incorporate more sustainable materials into their production. Another notable option is “Hero, I Was A Milk Jug” 13-gallon bags, which are specifically crafted from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, turning waste into new products.

The benefits of choosing these eco-friendly bags include reducing the demand for virgin plastics and diverting plastic waste from landfills. While they may sometimes come at a slightly higher price point, the environmental advantages make them a worthwhile consideration for a greener home. When selecting, look for labels indicating recycled content or sustainable manufacturing processes to make an informed choice.

Where to Buy 13-Gallon Trash Bags at Walmart

Walmart makes it incredibly convenient to purchase 13-gallon trash bags, whether you prefer shopping in person or online.

In-Store: All the popular brands like Great Value, Hefty, Glad, and Husky are readily available in the home goods or cleaning aisle of your local Walmart store. This allows you to compare sizes, scents, and features firsthand, and check for current sales or promotions.

Online: Walmart.com offers an even broader selection and the convenience of home delivery or in-store pickup. Shopping online is excellent for comparing prices across different pack sizes and brands, reading customer reviews, and quickly reordering your preferred bags. Look out for bulk pack options online, which often provide better per-bag value.

Always compare prices, especially the “cents per count,” to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your budget. Subscribing for recurring deliveries can also sometimes unlock additional savings.

Buying Guide: Important Criteria When Purchasing 13-Gallon Trash Bags

Making an informed decision about your 13-gallon trash bags means evaluating several key criteria beyond just the brand name.

• Durability: This is paramount for kitchen trash. Look for bags advertised with features like “ForceFlex,” “Ultra Strong,” or “Strong Flex,” indicating resistance to tears, punctures, and stretching. Consider the thickness of the material if specified, as thicker bags generally offer more resilience.
• Size: While 13-gallon is the volume, check the actual dimensions (e.g., 24″ x 27″). Ensure these measurements comfortably fit your tall kitchen trash can, allowing for some overlap at the top to prevent the bag from slipping down.
• Material: Most common bags are made from polyethylene (PE), either high-density (HDPE) or low-density (LDPE). LDPE bags are typically more flexible and tear-resistant, while HDPE bags are generally thinner but offer good puncture resistance for their weight. For eco-conscious shoppers, look for recycled content (e.g., PCR – post-consumer recycled) or sustainably sourced plastics.
• Price: Compare the price per bag (often listed as “¢/count”) rather than just the total package price. Bulk packs usually offer the best value. Balance price with performance; a slightly more expensive, stronger bag can prevent costly and messy clean-ups.
• Features:
  • Odor Control: Decide if you need scented bags for odor masking and neutralization. Brands like Hefty and Glad excel in this area, offering various pleasant fragrances. If you have sensitivities, prioritize unscented options.
  • Closure Type: For 13-gallon kitchen bags, drawstrings are the most user-friendly and secure, providing a tight seal and easy transport.
  • Stretch: Bags with stretch technology (like Glad ForceFlex) are excellent for accommodating bulky or irregularly shaped items without tearing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right 13-gallon trash bag at Walmart can significantly improve your daily routine by preventing messy spills and effectively managing odors. Whether you prioritize unbeatable strength from Hefty, the flexible resilience of Glad ForceFlex, or the excellent value of Great Value bags, Walmart offers a wide array of options to suit every household. Consider your specific needs, from the type of waste you generate to your preference for scents or sustainable materials. By evaluating durability, fit, and cost-effectiveness, you can confidently select the perfect trash bags to keep your kitchen clean and fresh.

Which features matter most to you when choosing a trash bag for your home?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “13-gallon” mean for trash bags?

A 13-gallon trash bag refers to its volume capacity, meaning it can hold 13 gallons (approximately 49.2 liters) of waste. This size is considered the standard for most tall kitchen trash cans, fitting snugly and providing ample space for typical household garbage without being excessively large.

Are scented trash bags effective or just masking odors?

Scented trash bags from reputable brands often do more than just mask odors; many incorporate odor-neutralizing technology. This technology actively works to absorb or break down odor molecules, providing a fresher scent while also containing unpleasant smells. However, the strength of the scent and its effectiveness can vary between brands and specific products.

Can 13-gallon bags fit all tall kitchen trash cans?

While 13-gallon is a standard size, there can be slight variations in the exact dimensions (width and height) of bags from different brands. Most 13-gallon bags are designed to fit standard tall kitchen trash cans, typically around 24 inches wide by 27 inches high. Always check the specific bag dimensions to ensure a proper fit for your particular trash can and prevent slippage.

What’s the difference between ForceFlex and Ultra Strong?

“ForceFlex” (Glad) refers to a bag technology designed with a diamond-like pattern that allows the bag to stretch and flex around bulky or sharp objects without tearing. “Ultra Strong” (Hefty) emphasizes superior thickness and material composition for maximum tear and puncture resistance. Both aim for durability but achieve it through slightly different material properties and designs, making them excellent choices for tough jobs.

Are Walmart’s Great Value trash bags good quality?

Walmart’s Great Value 13-gallon trash bags are generally considered a good quality option, especially given their competitive price point. They offer various features, including drawstring closures, different scents, and a “Strong Flex” line designed for improved durability. Many users find them strong enough for everyday kitchen waste and excellent value for money, though some specific lines have received comments about bag length.