By default, the GNOME desktop environment on Ubuntu is designed to be relatively clean, with no icons scattered across the wallpaper. However, Ubuntu employs an extension called “Desktop Icons NG” (DING) that automatically forces a prominent “Trash” icon to appear in the bottom-right corner of your desktop.
While Windows and macOS users might expect a trash can on the desktop, many Linux users prefer a minimalist aesthetic. If you manage your deleted files strictly through the Nautilus file manager (which already has a Trash shortcut in the sidebar) or via the terminal, having an undeletable Trash icon permanently bolted to your wallpaper is unnecessary clutter.
Because the Trash icon is hardcoded into the DING extension, you cannot simply right-click it and select “Delete.” You must use the GNOME Extensions manager to disable its visibility.
How to Remove the Trash Icon from the Desktop
You must edit the configuration for the Desktop Icons extension.
- Open the Settings app in Ubuntu.
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, scroll down and click on Appearance (or Ubuntu Desktop in newer versions like 24.04).
- Look under the “Desktop Icons” section.
- Locate the toggle switch labeled Show Personal folder and Show Trash icon.
- Turn the Show Trash icon toggle to the Off position.
Alternative: Using Extension Manager
If the option is missing from Settings, you can use the Extension Manager tool:
- Open a terminal and install the manager:
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager - Launch the Extension Manager application.
- Find Desktop Icons NG (DING) in your installed list and click the gear icon to open its settings.
- Toggle off “Show the trash icon on the desktop.”
The Trash icon will immediately vanish from your wallpaper, leaving you with a perfectly clean, unobstructed desktop environment.