Please help me erase unwanted Time Machine data from my trash bin

The Time Machine backups should never be modified, split up or partially erased and they can not be copied to a different drive.

The only way to fix what has transpired, is to Erase the Time Machine backup drive using Disk Utility and start new backups.

In addition, the Time Machine backup drive should never be used for other types of backups or general file storage.

"The drive I am using is still connected. It has backups going back to 2023 on it. So I decided I would only keep the 2024 & 2025 backups hence why I put the older ones into the bin, along with the ridiculous attempt to backup my works OneDrive. Incidentally I have managed to erase the most recent backups (the backup with the OneDrive on it), the ones that are causing a problem are from 2023. don't want to erase the entire drive if possible, otherwise I would need to transfer the older backups somewhere else first."

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Thanks for the followup reply.

A. Deleting these Time Machine Backups:

Plug this drive into the Mac these backups pertain. Then delete them through Time Machine Backup app. You might have to add this as a device for Time Machine Backup, if you've since reinstalled the macOS: If the Time Machine Backup Disk for your Mac is full - Apple Support

B. Avoiding One Drive from Syncing with TMB:

As for excluding OneDrive, see this by Microsoft: Steps to choose folders to sync in macOS - Microsoft Help

This is what to deselect:

“Please help me erase unwanted Time Machine data from my trash bin“

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Using Terminal to Bypass Security:

“After some investigation I noticed that Time Machine was attempting to back up my works entire OneDrive! So I excluded that server from my backups (after learning how to do that via the forum), and threw away the latest backup (and all of my 2023 backups) into the trash.“

What the URL of the post providing that?

Ending This and Avoiding a Loop:

“[…]When I tried to empty the bin my issues began. 2 days truing to empty the files continuously, errors, spinning wheels, etc. So I read on the forum about using Terminal to force the bin to empty, and bypass security a permissions. Please see the images of my bin, and the current Terminal status. I started the the process about 13hours ago. My question is should I leave it to continue or has this hanged also? Thank you for any advice.”

Cancel the Pending Deletions:

The drive connected at this moment, yet these deletions look to be pending. So, use command + A to select them all, and then cancel the deletion. Elesewise, they’ll show up whenever you plug in the drive. Once cancelled, unmount the drive in Disk Utility. Then, mount it once more, this time erasing it, and then Formatting it.

You're welcome.

If you're not all that thrilled about the limitations imposed on Time Machine..?

Then it might be a good time to switch to cloning software like CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper.

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"Thanks for the help guys. I wiped the drive using Disk Utility and the trash files disappeared. A bit irritated about not having the old files, but I'm a 'just in case' kind of guy, had to just let them go. Thanks again."

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You are welcome.

Use a Hard Drive of High-Capacity:

I learned from this the hard way, when my 2018 MBP's TMBs were overwritten, as new TMBs were created. Now, all I have are Catalina TMBs to Ventura TMBs for restoration. I've since put that Mac aside, and purchased a couple of new ones. But, I plan to keep it, as it's the only Mac I have that has an Intel Processor. Next time you go about purchasing a hard drive, get one of high-capacity, should you wish to keep TMBs.

Yes! Erasing and reformatting the drive, should also clear out the backup items in the Trash.

If it doesn't happen automatically, then they should be freed up so that you can Empty the Trash.