Deleting back up files for over one week! Is there another way?

I am on file number 4,782,613 right now. Here is what I did and I need help to fix it. I have an external Toshiba HD that has 2T capacity. I found that it was nearly full. I only use it for data files, so I check its content. Seems Time Machine found this drive and has been backing up onto the Toshiba. I was able to change that in preferences so it won't do it anymore. I deleted the backup file contents which was a series of folders with dates (I assume back up dates). My trash is now 2.03T full. I told Finder to Empty the Trash. It has now been emptying for over one week! My Toshiba light is flashing like crazy. The Emptying the Trash symbol keeps counting up to 4,783,678 as I type this. Is there another way to delete this much volume? If I cancel it, will all those files be "put back" onto the external HD or sit in the trash? I would appreciate a way to get my iMac back. It is brand new. "Always something." Thank you. M