OS X trash folder - emptying and ejecting removeable disks

The OS X Trash folder is where items that you do not want to use anymore should be placed, these items are not deleted permanently unless the command is given to empty the Trash folder.

Items that you do not want to access anymore can be sent to the Trash folder by dragging them to the Trash icon (lowermost right). Items that are in the Trash folder can be viewed by clicking on the Trash icon. Clicking on icon that looks like a gear wheel, followed by 'Empty Trash' removes all of the items that are in the Trash folder, Once 'Empty Trash' has been selected all items are now permanently deleted so this command should be used carefully.

The Trash folder should also be used for ejecting removeable media such as external hard disks, USB flash drives, CD-RW, DVD burners and so on. Simply drag the icon associated with the removeable disk from the Desktop to the Trash folder to eject that particular device prior to removal.