Suggest you try these:
Silicone Bands for cooking usage:
https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Cooking-Bands-Multi-Color/dp/B0041HTBQ2
I think rubber bands are just an accident waiting to happen - what would happen to a powerhead if a piece of rubber band got pulled into one? What if a large fish ate a piece of one? Over the past few years, I've only had one silicone band go bad on me - and I think that was caused by an urchin who stumbled across some nori banded to a piece of branch rock and got carried away in the ecstasy of the find.
I've also successfully used black EDPM bands if you aren't partial to the assorted colors of the above cooking bands.
You can also find rubber band substitutes in a female SO's hair control tool collection. Silicone bands can be found stores like CVS or Harmon Beauty supplies where that are sold to manage pony tails, pig tails, etc.