How to Delete files in Python using send2trash module?

Last Updated : 1 Jun, 2026

The send2trash module allows files and folders to be moved to the system's Trash or Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. This provides a safer alternative to functions such as os.remove() and os.rmdir(), as deleted items can be restored if removed accidentally.

  • Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Supports deleting both files and directories.

Installing send2trash

Install send2trash using following command:

pip install send2trash

Delete a File

The send2trash() function moves a file to the system's Trash or Recycle Bin instead of permanently deleting it.

Example:

Python 
import send2trash

send2trash.send2trash("sample.txt")
print("File moved to Trash.")

Output

File moved to Trash.

Explanation:

  • sample.txt is moved to the Trash.
  • The file can be restored later if needed.
  • No permanent deletion occurs.

Syntax:

send2trash.send2trash(path)

Delete a Folder

The send2trash() function supports deleting directories by moving them to the Trash or Recycle Bin. Any files and nested folders inside the directory are moved along with it, providing a safe alternative to permanent deletion.

Example:

Python 
import send2trash

send2trash.send2trash("Documents")
print("Folder moved to Trash.")

Output

Folder moved to Trash.

Explanation:

  • send2trash.send2trash() function moves the "Documents" folder to the system's Trash or Recycle Bin.
  • Any files and subfolders contained within the folder are also moved to the Trash, allowing them to be restored later if needed.

Syntax:

send2trash.send2trash(folder_path)

Delete Multiple Files

A list of file paths can be processed to move multiple files to the Trash at once.

Example:

Python 
import send2trash

files = [
    "file1.txt",
    "file2.txt",
    "file3.txt"
]

for file in files:
    send2trash.send2trash(file)

print("Files moved to Trash.")

Output

Files moved to Trash.

Explanation:

  • Iterates through a list of files.
  • Moves each file to the Trash.
  • Useful for batch deletion tasks.

Handle Exceptions While Deleting Files

Exception handling can be used to manage permission errors and invalid paths during deletion.

Example:

Python 
import send2trash

try:
    send2trash.send2trash("sample.txt")
    print("File moved to Trash.")
except Exception as e:
    print("Error:", e)

Output

If no error raised: File moved to Trash.

If error raised: Error: Permission denied

Explanation:

  • Attempts to move the file to the Trash.
  • Handles errors gracefully if deletion fails.
  • Prevents the program from crashing.
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