Using Trash

Trash is a special folder that holds files that you no longer want to keep. Files in the Trash are not deleted permanently until you empty the trash. This two-stage process is in case you change your mind, or accidentally remove the wrong file.

You can move the following items to Trash:

Files
Folders
Desktop objects

If you need to retrieve a file from Trash, you can display Trash and move the file out of Trash. When you empty Trash, you delete the contents of Trash permanently.

6.6.19.1. To Display Trash
6.6.19.2. To Empty Trash

You can display the contents of Trash in the following ways:

From a file browser window

Choose Go ▸ Trash. The contents of Trash are displayed in the window.
From a spatial window

Choose Places ▸ Trash. The contents of Trash are displayed in the window.
From the desktop

Double-click on the Trash object on the desktop.

You can empty the contents of Trash in the following ways:

From a file browser window

Choose File ▸ Empty Trash.
From the desktop

Right-click on the Trash object, then choose Empty Trash.

When you empty trash, you destroy all files in the trash. Be sure that the trash only contains files you no longer need.

GNOME Documentation Library

Using Trash

6.6.19.1. To Display Trash

6.6.19.2. To Empty Trash