items do not erase from trash

Hello there, wBanabeelah.

There is a great Knowledge Base article that review extensively how to troubleshoot issues with emptying the Trash:

You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1526

One section that might stand out in your case:

If you can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash

For example, this message might appear when you try to empty the Trash: "The operation could not be completed because the item '(item name)' is locked."

First, try holding the Option key as you choose Empty Trash from the Finder's File menu.

It is a very thorough document and should clear up any issue you may have.

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Pedro D.