Prices for Costco garbage bags vary by size, material, and packaging type, with the main cost drivers being bag gallon size, strength (thickness), and whether they are drawstring or seamless. This article presents practical price ranges in USD and explains what affects the cost.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature 13-Gallon Bags (200-count) | $9 | $11 | $14 | Drawstring, standard strength |
| Kirkland Signature 33-Gallon Contractor Bags (80-count) | $14 | $19 | $26 | Thicker, heavy-duty, with ties |
| Generic 13-Gallon Bags (non-Kirkland, 200-count) | $6 | $9 | $12 | Value tier, varies by store |
| Per-Bag Cost Example (average by size) | $0.04 | $0.055 | $0.07 | Approximate; varies by pack |
Cost Breakdown by Bag Size and Type
Typical totals hinge on gallon size, pack quantity, and material thickness. A standard 13-gallon kitchen bag pack usually carries the lowest per-bag price, while larger contractor bags show higher costs per bag but offer bulk savings when bought in bulk at Costco.
| Cost Component | 13-Gallon Bags | 33-Gallon Contractor Bags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50-$4.50 | $6.00-$11.00 | Polyethylene thickness drives price |
| Packaging | $1.00-$2.00 | $1.50-$3.50 | 200-count vs 80-count |
| Delivery/Markup | $0.50-$1.50 | $1.00-$2.50 | Warehouse pricing |
| Taxes/Fees | $0.50-$1.50 | $1.50-$3.50 | State variation |
| Warranty/Assurance | $0.10-$0.40 | $0.20-$0.60 | Typical product guarantees |
Material and Type Impact on Price
Type matters more than color or scent for cost. Drawstring bags tend to be slightly more expensive than flap-tits or basic ties due to added manufacturing steps. Thicker, puncture-resistant films increase both the material cost and the bag’s durability, which is reflected in higher per-pack prices for contractor-grade lines compared to standard kitchen bags.
Assumptions: Midwest pricing, standard base polyethylene, standard access to Costco warehouses.
Drawstring versus Untied Styles
Drawstring bags average about 20-40% higher per bag than untied or tie-less alternatives when comparing similar gallon sizes.
Kirkland Signature 13-Gallon Bags Price Range
Kirkland’s 13-gallon lineup typically offers the lowest-cost per bag among major Costco options. Expect a low in the $9 range for a 200-count box, a middle range around $11-$12, and a high near $14 under peak demand or special promotions. These bags usually feature standard strength and a convenient drawstring. Regional promos can push prices slightly above or below these figures.
32–34-Gallon Contractor Bags Cost Snapshot
Contractor-grade bags cost more per bag but can reduce total trips for large cleanups. In practice, 80-count boxes run about $14-$26, depending on thickness and ties. Per-bag pricing often lands in the $0.18-$0.32 range. These bags are designed for heavier waste streams and outdoor debris, which drives up material costs but lowers the unit price per use when the scope is large.
Drawstring vs Seamless: Price Differences
Drawstring models add convenience and slightly higher pricing. Seamless or tie-only versions are typically 5-15% cheaper per bag, but may require more labor when closing heavy loads. For households, the drawstring Kirkland bags remain the common choice and balance price with ease of use.
Regional Variations in Costco Bag Pricing
Prices fluctuate with warehouse location and local demand. Coastal markets may show higher averages than inland regions due to logistics and cost of living differences. Typical regional deltas range from -10% to +20% relative to national averages, influenced by promotions and stock availability at each store.
Smart Buying Tactics to Cut Garbage Bag Costs
Strategic shopping can trim overall cost without sacrificing quality. Buy in larger counts to reduce per-bag price, compare Kirkland to store-brand alternatives, and watch for seasonal promos around major holidays. Consider opting for contractor-grade bags only when the bulk waste load justifies the higher price per unit.
Per-Unit Cost and Volume Discounts at Costco
Volume often unlocks the best per-unit savings. A 200-count box of 13-gallon bags might drop below $0.06 per bag when bought in-store with a regional promotion, while a smaller 80-count 33-gallon pack tends to hover around $0.25 per bag. Tracking unit price helps shoppers compare across sizes and brands.
Cost Components in a Costco Bag Quote
| Materials | Packaging | Storage | Taxes | Contingency | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50-$7.00 | $1.00-$3.50 | $0.50-$1.50 | $0.50-$2.50 | $0.50-$1.50 | $4.50-$15.00 |