How to Remove Trash Icon From Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, offers a user-friendly and customizable desktop environment. One aspect of customization that many users find appealing is the ability to remove the trash icon from the desktop. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or simply want to declutter your workspace, removing the trash icon is a straightforward process. In this article, we will explore various methods to remove the trash icon from your Ubuntu desktop, providing step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips along the way.

Understanding the Trash Icon

The trash icon serves as a convenient location for temporarily storing deleted files and folders in Ubuntu. It acts as a safety net, allowing users to recover accidentally deleted items before permanently removing them from the system. However, some users may find the trash icon unnecessary or prefer to access the trash functionality through other means, such as the file manager or terminal commands.

Removing the trash icon from the desktop does not disable the trash functionality itself. You can still access the trash folder and manage deleted items using alternative methods, which we will cover in this article. It’s important to note that removing the trash icon may slightly alter your workflow, but it can also contribute to a cleaner and more focused desktop environment.

How to Remove Trash Icon Using GNOME Tweaks

GNOME Tweaks is a powerful customization tool for the GNOME desktop environment, which is the default in Ubuntu. It provides a user-friendly interface for modifying various system settings, including the visibility of desktop icons. To remove the trash icon using GNOME Tweaks, follow these steps:

1. Install GNOME Tweaks by opening a terminal and running the command:
   sudo apt install gnome-tweaks
2. Launch GNOME Tweaks from the application menu or by typing “gnome-tweaks” in the terminal.
3. Navigate to the “Desktop” tab in the GNOME Tweaks window.
4. Locate the “Icons on Desktop” section and uncheck the “Trash” option.
5. Close GNOME Tweaks, and the trash icon will be removed from your desktop.

For Ubuntu versions prior to 18.04 LTS, the process may slightly differ. In older versions, you may need to install the “gnome-shell-extensions” package and enable the “Desktop Icons” extension before accessing the desktop icon settings in GNOME Tweaks.

Removing the Trash Icon via Terminal

If you prefer using the command line or want to automate the process of removing the trash icon, you can utilize terminal commands. The specific command varies depending on your Ubuntu version. Here are the commands for different versions:

• For Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:
  gsettings set org.gnome.nautilus.desktop trash-icon-visible false
• For Ubuntu 19.10 and later:
  gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.desktop-icons show-trash false

These commands modify the GNOME settings to hide the trash icon from the desktop. The changes take effect immediately, and you should see the trash icon disappear. If you want to restore the trash icon later, simply replace “false” with “true” in the respective command.

Removing Trash Icon from the Dock

In newer versions of Ubuntu, such as 24.04, the trash icon may be located in the dock instead of the desktop. To remove the trash icon from the dock, you can use either the terminal or graphical methods. Here’s how:

Using Terminal Command

Open a terminal and run the following command:

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-trash false

This command disables the trash icon in the Ubuntu dock. To restore it, replace “false” with “true” in the command.

Using System Settings and Dconf Editor

1. Open the System Settings application from the application menu.
2. Navigate to the “Appearance” section and select the “Dock” tab.
3. Uncheck the “Show Trash” option to remove the trash icon from the dock.
4. If the option is not available in System Settings, you can use Dconf Editor instead:
   1. Install Dconf Editor by running: sudo apt install dconf-editor
   2. Launch Dconf Editor and navigate to “/org/gnome/shell/extensions/dash-to-dock/“.
   3. Uncheck the “show-trash” option to remove the trash icon.

Best Practices for Desktop Customization

When customizing your Ubuntu desktop, it’s important to consider both aesthetics and functionality. Here are some tips for maintaining a clean and efficient desktop environment:

• Keep your desktop clutter-free by regularly organizing files and folders.
• Use a consistent naming convention for your files and directories to enhance searchability.
• Utilize keyboard shortcuts to quickly access frequently used applications and directories.
• Customize your desktop background and theme to create a visually appealing and personalized workspace.
• Experiment with different customization tools and settings to find the optimal configuration for your needs.

Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between a visually pleasing desktop and an efficient workflow. Don’t hesitate to explore various customization options and find what works best for you.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While removing the trash icon from the Ubuntu desktop is generally a straightforward process, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• If the trash icon reappears after a system update, simply repeat the removal process using your preferred method.
• If the terminal commands don’t work, double-check the command syntax and ensure you are using the correct command for your Ubuntu version.
• If you encounter any error messages related to configuration files or settings, try logging out and logging back in, or restarting your system to apply the changes.
• If you accidentally remove the trash icon and want to restore it, use the appropriate command or graphical method to re-enable it.

If you continue to face issues or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from the Ubuntu community forums or online resources. There is a wealth of knowledge and support available to assist you in troubleshooting and resolving any problems you may encounter.

Conclusion

Removing the trash icon from your Ubuntu desktop is a simple yet effective way to customize your workspace and maintain a clean and focused environment. Whether you prefer using GNOME Tweaks, terminal commands, or graphical methods, the process is straightforward and can be easily adapted to your specific Ubuntu version.

By following the step-by-step instructions and best practices outlined in this article, you can confidently remove the trash icon and enhance your desktop experience. Remember to explore additional customization options to further personalize your Ubuntu system and boost your productivity.