Unable to empty trash bin on MacBook Pro

There was a bug in earlier versions of Sonoma that required the user to open the trash bin first, then choose Delete from the open trash bin window.

If you haven't already, you might want to update to Sonoma 14.4 which will fix that specific bug.

There can be various causes.

Depending on what’s in the trash, some things cannot be deleted. Attempts to delete parts of backups, for instance.

Sometimes the storage is corrupted, or the hardware is failing.

Sometimes the files are opened by some running app.

If the files can be deleted, but are somehow stuck, boot your Mac into Safe Mode, and try emptying the trash again:

… Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support