Some people don’t like any icons on their desktop. If this is you, simply right-click your desktop, choose View from the menu, and choose Show Desktop Icons, which will turn them off if they are currently on. Other people don’t mind the icons, they just would prefer not to have the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. In that case, here’s how to turn it off:

1. Right-click on your desktop and choose Personalize
   
2. Click on the Change Desktop Icons link in the upper left hand corner
   
3. In the Desktop Icons Settings window, uncheck the Recycle Bin box and click OK
   

Your Recycle Bin is gone!

There is actually an even easier way to do this.

1. Select your Recycle Bin by clicking once on it’s icon and then hit the Delete key on your keyboard
   

   -OR-

   Right-click on your Recycle Bin icon and choose Delete
   

2. You’ll get a confirmation window asking if you’re sure you want to delete the icon from your desktop, click Yes
   

Once again, Recycle Bin gone!

Stay tuned for the next tip, How to Get Your Recycle Bin Back!

This tip was inspired by Hide, Delete, or Destroy the Recycle Bin Icon in Windows Vista.