The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
The Trash folder in your home folder (~/.Trash) holds everything you have moved to the Trash from your startup disk. Its files keep taking space until the Trash is emptied.
Files you already deleted. Emptying the Trash is permanent.
What happens if you delete it?
Emptying is permanent: files cannot be put back afterwards, except from a backup such as Time Machine.
How to remove it properly
Open the Trash from the Dock, check its contents (use Put Back for anything you want to keep), then choose Finder › Empty Trash. To do it automatically, turn on “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days” in Finder › Settings › Advanced, or Empty Trash Automatically in System Settings › General › Storage.
Use the tool’s official command: Finder › Empty Trash
Before you delete it
Photos, Mail and Notes have their own Recently Deleted or Trash mailboxes, which are emptied separately from the Finder Trash.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
When the tool is installed, MoreRoom runs its official command for you (Finder › Empty Trash) instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to empty the Trash on Mac?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. Emptying is permanent: files cannot be put back afterwards, except from a backup such as Time Machine.
Will Trash come back after I delete it?
No. Emptying is permanent: files cannot be put back afterwards, except from a backup such as Time Machine.
How do I remove Trash properly?
Open the Trash from the Dock, check its contents (use Put Back for anything you want to keep), then choose Finder › Empty Trash. To do it automatically, turn on “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days” in Finder › Settings › Advanced, or Empty Trash Automatically in System Settings › General › Storage.