[library user]

I appreciate your reply, but in my original post, I stated I already knew that you could create a new folder and drag them out of the trash that way. I’m looking for an efficient way to handle a simple task. Mac doesn’t seem up to it.

[Keith in Iowa]

It’s more than up to it if there’s a time machine back-up.

[Keith in Iowa]

And another thing - if the mac has a time machine back-up, you’ll need to go into the time machine and delete the files you want deleted there too.

[Hoplite]

I’m looking for an efficient way to handle a simple task.

You have your answer already. The time you've spent posting on FR, vs actually taking care of your problem, doesn't really point to efficiency being a major concern here.

Don't put stuff in the toilet you don't want to flush.
Don't put files in the trash you don't want to delete.

[Chode]

good luck then, i know absolutely nothing about Mac's, but i thought it was a logical work around

i agree you shouldn't have to go all round Robbin's barn to do it though

[skr]

I’ve only been able to find this workaround at http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10330103-263.html

It involves writing a script and then you can treat it more like a Windows recycle bin. Have fun?

One of the things I think Apple should’ve done better.

[John Valentine]

On a Mac, this function is called the TRASH, not the “recycle bin”. Stuff you put in there is meant to be erased, deleted, and gone, not “recycled”. If a Mac user wants to keep a file, he doesn’t put it in the trash, it’s that simple.

You say that you are using a friend’s Mac. Do you think your friends are silly, careless people? If you don’t think that, then as Mac users, you can assume, very safely that if they put anything in the trash, they didn’t do it with the intention of someday retrieving it.

Just go ahead and empty the trash. You’ll be doing them a favor.