How to delete infinitely recurring directories

finderhigh sierratrash

I have a strange issue with deleting items from the Trash. It appears that there are infinite nested directories which I cannot seem to remove. If I try to "empty" the trash I get an error which reads "The operation can’t be completed because the item is in use.". I tried using Terminal to cd into .Trash and the files are not listed, but I tried rm -rf * anyway, but to no avail…

It goes and goes and goes...

The nested directories go on forever apparently (it shows 1-36 there in the image, but if I use the arrow to expand the last one then another, and another, and another shows up)… Does anyone have a clue how I can remove these from the Trash? Thanks.

EDIT: After waiting some time I now also get another error "You can’t open the Trash because it’s being emptied.". Oddball behavior here.

Best Answer

There is an app you can find called Trash It and that usually sorts this type of thing out:

What is Trash It?

This little Applescript-based App force-empties your Apple trash can, ridding it of files and folders that refuse to be deleted. It also supports Drag and Drop. If you have stuck files or folders in the Trash with permissions set incorrectly, locked items, want to delete a stubborn file(s) or folder(s) on your desktop or elsewhere, or delete items from other partitions, give Trash It! a try.

I am not involved in any way with "Trash It" : standard disclaimer apart from having used it!

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