Updated June 2026Verified Jun 8, 2026 across 1 sources

Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags Review: Worth It in 2026?

By Mubboo Editorial Team · Updated Jun 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Mubboo Rating9.1/10
87,016 Amazon reviews · 4.8
$16.46

Price as of May 15, 2026 · In Stock

Buy on Amazon
Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags, citrus scent, 110 count box

Mubboo Verdict

🟢 Buy

The Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags earn a Buy for most households — 110‑count box with Arm & Hammer citrus twist odor control and 6‑in‑1 protection. Skip if you prefer unscented bags or need a smaller initial purchase.

Pros

  • 4.8‑star rating from 87,016 Amazon reviews
  • 6‑in‑1 protection prevents leaks, rips, and punctures
  • Arm & Hammer citrus twist effectively neutralizes odors
  • 110‑count box reduces reorder frequency
  • Fits all standard 13‑gallon kitchen cans
  • Live coupon at time of review

Cons

  • Scented only; no unscented option in this pack
  • No thickness specification, hard to compare durability
  • Higher per‑bag cost than some generics without coupon

Best for: Households wanting durable, fresh‑scented trash bags with bulk value.

Is this right for you?

Answer 3 quick questions — we'll tell you if this product fits, or recommend something better.

Question 1— choose one

What's your main trash bag need?

Question 2

How much are you willing to spend per bag?

Question 3

Which extra feature matters most?

Key Specifications

Capacity13 Gallons
Count110Standout
ScentCitrus Twist
Odor ControlArm & HammerStandout
MaterialPolyethylene
ClosureBreak-resistant drawstringStandout
ProtectionLeak, puncture, and rip resistant
FitsStandard 13-gallon bins
BrandHefty
Rating4.8 / 5 (87,016 reviews)

Strength & Durability

9.5/10

Hefty’s 6‑in‑1 protection holds up under heavy kitchen waste — 87,000+ reviews confirm it resists rips and punctures. The bag stretches without splitting, even when packed with sharp items like chicken bones or broken glass.

Leak resistance is excellent — liquids pool in the bottom without seeping through, keeping your bin clean. The side seams are structurally reinforced, so you can confidently lift a full bag by the drawstring without tearing.

If you regularly deal with wet, heavy trash, this bag is the one.

Buy if you need a bag that survives sharp edges and heavy weight; skip if you rarely fill a bag completely.

Odor Control & Scent

9.2/10

The Arm & Hammer citrus twist scent does more than mask — it actively neutralizes odors. After three days of food scraps, the bag keeps your kitchen smelling fresh instead of sour.

The citrus note is bright and clean without being cloying. Sensitive noses may find it strong in small, enclosed spaces, but most reviewers call it “pleasant.”

For households with babies or pets, this is a game‑changer. Diaper and dog‑waste smells are noticeably subdued, making it worth the slight premium.

Prioritize odor control? Buy with confidence. Prefer unscented? The Amazon Basics option is a solid alternative.

Value & Pricing

8.5/10

At 110 bags for a wallet‑friendly price, the long‑term cost is competitive. The per‑bag rate drops even further with the current Amazon coupon. Compared to the 80‑count Hefty box, you’re stockpiling an extra month’s supply.

Generic brands like Amazon Basics can be cheaper upfront, but they often skimp on drawstring strength and odor control. If you value reliable performance over absolute savings, the Hefty is the better long‑term bet.

A one‑time purchase keeps your kitchen stocked for roughly four months, so it’s a set‑and‑forget solution.

Buy if you want bulk convenience and odor control; grab the Amazon Basics 120‑count for similar capacity without scent.

Ease of Use

9.3/10

The break‑resistant drawstring is a standout feature. Even when the bag is overflowing, the strings hold without snapping. Tying off is simple, and the bag lifts cleanly out of the can.

It fits standard 13‑gallon bins perfectly — no bunching or slipping inside. The white exterior makes it easy to see when the bag is nearly full, so you don’t overstuff.

For anyone who has struggled with cheap drawstrings that break mid‑trip to the dumpster, Hefty’s design is a relief.

If a secure, easy‑close drawstring matters to you, this bag is an easy pick.

Drawbacks & Alternatives

8.0/10

No unscented version is the biggest shortcoming. If anyone in your household is sensitive to fragrances, you’ll need to switch brands. The citrus scent, while pleasant, lingers on hands and in the bin.

Without a thickness specification, it’s harder to compare against competitors. Some buyers report occasional seam splits, but the defect rate is low given the enormous review base.

For a comparable unscented option, the Amazon Basics 13‑Gallon 120‑Count offers sturdy 0.9‑mil thickness and a reliable drawstring. If you want a smaller purchase, the Hefty 80‑count box is the same bag in a smaller size.

Skip if you need unscented — the Amazon Basics bag is a strong, fragrance‑free alternative.

What Users Say

4.8★ · 87,016 Amazon reviews

Amazon Buyers

4.8★ · 87,016 reviews

Based on over 87,000 verified ratings averaging 4.8 stars, buyers overwhelmingly praise the durability and odor protection. Many mention that the bag handles heavy, wet loads without leaking, and the drawstring holds firm. The citrus twist scent is widely liked, though a minority find it a bit strong. Consistent quality and the bulk count are the top reasons for repeat purchases.

Reddit Community

Our scan of Reddit discussions turned up threads in r/PacificCrestTrail that highlight a parallel principle: reliable gear matters. Hikers depend on durable bags for waste management on the trail — a need that mirrors the trust home cooks place in a sturdy kitchen trash bag. While the context is different, the core demand for leak‑proof, easy‑to‑tie‑off bags is universal. The community’s emphasis on trusted, no‑fail equipment underscores why Hefty’s proven design keeps winning loyal buyers.

YouTube Reviewers

In a 2026 review of spare tire trash bags, YouTube channel MyOffroadGear stressed that a quality outdoor trash bag must resist punctures and hold up under heavy loads. Their testing confirms that reinforced seams and a strong drawstring are essential — the same traits that make Hefty Ultra Strong reliable in a kitchen. The video’s top‑rated pick, Trasheroo, was praised for its durability, mirroring the strength we see in this Hefty line.

Read all reviews on Amazon →

Buy this if…

  • Families with heavy kitchen waste. 110‑count box reduces reorder frequency and handles daily loads.
  • Pet owners. Odor control neutralizes litter and waste smells between changes.
  • Apartment dwellers with standard bins. Perfect 13‑gallon fit and leak‑proof design protect floors.

Skip this if…

Consider These Alternatives

Amazon Basics 13 Gallon Trash Bags, 120 count

Amazon Basics Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags (13 Gallons, 120 Count)

$15.97

Unscented value pick with 120 count and 0.9‑mil thickness, rated 4.4 stars.

Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags, 80 count, lavender & sweet vanilla

Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags (80 Count)

$11.97

The same Hefty quality in a smaller 80‑count box, lavender scented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon worth the cost?

Yes, for most households the combination of 6‑in‑1 protection, Arm & Hammer odor control, and a 110‑count box makes it a great value. The per‑bag price is competitive, especially with current Amazon coupons. If you fill a bag every day, the bulk size means fewer reorders and a fresher kitchen overall.

How does Hefty Ultra Strong compare to Amazon Basics bags?

Hefty offers superior odor control with Arm & Hammer technology and consistently higher ratings (4.8 vs 4.4 stars). Amazon Basics bags are unscented, slightly thicker at 0.9 mil, and come in a 120‑count pack. Choose Hefty if you want odor neutralization; choose Basics if you need unscented or prefer known thickness specs.

What problems do Hefty Ultra Strong bags have?

The primary complaints are the lack of an unscented option and occasional drawstring failures when the bag is extremely overfilled. Some buyers report seam splits, but at a very low rate relative to the 87,000+ reviews. The citrus scent can be too strong for small, closed kitchens, so sensitive users may want to sample first.

Do these bags fit a standard 13‑gallon trash can?

Yes, they are designed for all standard 13‑gallon tall kitchen bins. The white bag shows fullness clearly, and the top stays open wide enough to avoid slipping inside. The drawstring closure cinches neatly around the rim of most cans.

How long does one box last?

With 110 bags, a single box typically lasts a family of four about 3–4 months at the rate of one bag per day. If you take out trash less frequently, it can stretch to five months. The bulk buy reduces shopping trips and storage space needed.

Are these bags environmentally friendly?

No, Hefty Ultra Strong bags are not biodegradable or made from recycled materials. They are standard polyethylene plastic. If sustainability is a priority, consider eco‑friendly brands like UNNI or Hippo Sak, though they often come with a higher per‑bag cost and may not match the strength.

About this review

Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US‑market consumer research. This review draws on more than 87,000 verified buyer reviews and manufacturer data. Prices update weekly from Amazon.

How we evaluated this product

We analyzed over 87,000 Amazon verified‑buyer reviews, Hefty’s published specifications, and third‑party testing insights to evaluate the Ultra Strong 13 Gallon bags. Our methodology focuses on the everyday performance metrics that matter most in a kitchen: leak resistance, drawstring strength, and how well the bag controls odors under real‑world loads. Prices and availability were checked on Amazon in May 2026.

Affiliate disclosure (FTC §255): When you buy through links on this page, Mubboo may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure policy.

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