[Quick Tip] Remove Trash Icon from Ubuntu 18.04 Gnome Desktop

Last updated: April 15, 2018

gnome shell

The trash can icon is moved from left launcher to desktop icon since Ubuntu switched back to Gnome Desktop.

For those using files context menu or keyboard shortcut to delete file folders, and getting access to trash can via Files (nautilus file browser), the desktop icon is kinda useless and you may want to remove it.

You can easily remove (hide) the trash can desktop icon by doing following steps:

1. Open Ubuntu Software, search for and install Gnome Tweaks, a Gnome 3 desktop configuration tool.

2. Once installed, launch Gnome Tweaks and navigate to Desktop pane. There you can see the toggles to show or hide some desktop icons.

Simply turn off the toggle for Trash and enjoy!

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I'm a freelance blogger who started using Ubuntu in 2007 and wishes to share my experiences and some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers. Please comment to let me know if the tutorial is outdated! And, notify me if you find any typo/grammar/language mistakes. English is not my native language. Contact me via ubuntuhandbook1@gmail.com Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/ubuntuhandbook1

8 responses to [Quick Tip] Remove Trash Icon from Ubuntu 18.04 Gnome Desktop

  1. This is great; thanks!

  2. Roger Provins July 29, 2018 at 7:48 am

    Thanks very much!

  3. Thats cool,thank you

  4. Would it not be possible to transfer the TRASH from Desktop to Left Launcher?

  5. Occasionally when I have problems, I often end up by Ji m….mostly with succes. Thanks!

  6. Thanks!!

  7. I just upgraded to Kubuntu 18.04 and neither Ubuntu Software Centre nor Gnome Tweaks is not found by Discover (the only software center app available to me.) Can you direct me to get either or both of these items? Thanks…