Trash (computing)

In computing, the trash, also known by other names such as trash bin, dustbin, wastebasket, and similar names, is a graphical user interface desktop metaphor for temporary storage for files set aside by the user for deletion, but which are not yet permanently erased. This lifts the burden from the user of having to be highly careful while selecting files for deletion, since a trash bin provides a grace period to reverse unwanted deletions. The concept and name is part of Mac operating systems; a similar implementation is called the Recycle Bin in Microsoft Windows, and other operating systems use other names, sometimes ending with "-bin".

In the file manager, the trash can be viewed by the user as a special file directory, allowing the user to browse the files and retain those still wanted before deleting the others permanently (either one by one, or via an "empty trash" command). It may still be possible using third party software to undelete those that were deleted by mistake. In Microsoft Windows and macOS, the Trash folder links to hidden folders on each mounted drive where the files are actually stored.

Within a trash folder, a record may be kept of each file and/or directory's original location, depending on the implementation. On certain operating systems, files must be moved out of the trash before they can be accessed again. Some operating systems or file managers retain trashed files indefinitely until manually deleted by the user, while others may delete them automatically based on certain criteria: for example, after a given file has resided in the trash bin for a certain duration of time, as in the case of Android, or once the trash bin grows to a certain size (see § Microsoft Windows). Unlike in conventional folders, a trash bin may be able to contain files with duplicate names, given that a trash bin acts as a layer before permanent deletion from the file system.