Supermarket Bin Bag Showdown: We Tested 7 Brands for Strength & Value
That dreadful moment when a bin bag splits, scattering rubbish across your kitchen floor, is a universal household nightmare. After experiencing this frustration one too many times, we embarked on a mission to find a truly reliable refuse sack. We purchased strong or extra strong bin bags from seven major supermarkets: Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons, to conduct a comprehensive comparison.
Our Testing Methodology
We evaluated each bag based on several critical factors: price per unit, capacity in litres, thickness and perceived quality, ease of use including tie mechanisms, and most importantly, real-world performance when filled with household waste and removed from a standard kitchen bin. The goal was to identify which bags offered the best combination of sturdiness and value.
The Contenders: A Detailed Breakdown
Morrisons Extra Strong All-Purpose Refuse Sacks
Priced at £5 for 20 bags (25p each), these 90-litre sacks promised versatility for garden waste. Made with a minimum of 30% recycled plastic, they measured 815mm by 915mm. However, they proved disappointingly flimsy and thin, almost see-through. The tie-top design failed in practice; the bag slipped down inside the bin within a day, leaving an open side. Removal was precarious, with a high risk of splitting. Rating: 2/5 stars.
Sainsbury's Strong Refuse Sacks
Costing £4 for 20 bags (20p each), these were substantial 100-litre sacks made from 100% recycled plastic. They featured a convenient orange drawstring for easy tying. The roll felt heavier than others, and the perforation did not cause accidental tears. In testing, this bag was exceptionally strong and sturdy, showing no signs of tearing when full and posing no leakage risk upon removal. Rating: 5/5 stars.
Tesco Extra Strong Refuse Sacks
At £2.75 for 20 bags (14p each), these were smaller with a 50-litre capacity. Made from approximately 80% recycled plastic, they included a handy drawstring top. The bags were individually separated on the roll, preventing rips during detachment. While the material felt somewhat flimsy, the yellow tie handles performed well, and the bag remained intact when full. Rating: 4/5 stars.
Lidl Heavy Duty Refuse Sacks (Purio)
Priced at £1.99 for 10 bags (19p each), these were the only heavy-duty option available and boasted a massive 120-litre capacity. Constructed from 70% recycled plastic and marketed for home and garden use, they lacked specific size measurements but felt immediately robust and impenetrable. Although larger than a standard bin, the extra material helped secure it without slipping. With no drawstring, just a straight top, it maintained perfect integrity upon removal. Rating: 5/5 stars.
Aldi Heavy Duty Refuse Sacks (Power Force)
Costing £1.65 for 10 bags (17p each), these 'super tough' sacks hold 85 litres and are designed for home and garden. Measuring 700mm by 1000mm with a wave top for tying, they contain 50% recycled content. They performed adequately, not ripping when full and feeling reasonably sturdy. However, there was a lingering concern about potential leakage, prompting a quick transfer to the outdoor bin. Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
M&S Strong Refuse Sacks
Priced at £3.30 for 20 bags (17p each), these 75-litre sacks are made with 100% recycled plastic and feature a two-handle design similar to classic carrier bags. Initially, they appeared stronger than the Morrisons equivalent. Unfortunately, during the emptying process, a rip occurred at the top, compromising their reliability despite not causing a major spill. Rating: 2/5 stars.
Asda Extra Strong Bin Bags
Costing £2.87 for 15 bags (19p each), these all-purpose sacks hold 75 litres and are made from a minimum of 50% recycled plastic. Measuring 1470mm by 1054mm including tie handles, they felt high-quality upon insertion. They remained solid and secure when lifted out, allowing for easy, worry-free transportation to the outdoor bin. Rating: 5/5 stars.
Overall Verdict and Recommendations
Our testing revealed that the top performers were not the most expensive options. Three bin bags stood out for their excellent combination of strength and value:
- Sainsbury's Strong Refuse Sacks at 20p per bag.
- Asda Extra Strong Bin Bags at 19p per bag.
- Lidl Heavy Duty Refuse Sacks (Purio) at 19p per bag.
All three of these bags demonstrated exceptional durability suitable for both household and garden use. While any of these would be a reliable choice, the Lidl Purio Heavy Duty Refuse Sacks emerged as our overall favourite due to their immense capacity and formidable strength, making them the bag we would confidently purchase again.
