Permanently delete files from OneDrive or SharePoint Second-stage recycle bin

When you delete a file in SharePoint or OneDrive, it first moves to the (first-stage) Recycle bin. If you delete it from there, the file moves to the Second‑stage recycle bin (also called the site collection recycle bin). Files deleted from the Second-stage recycle bin are permanently removed.

How do I permanently delete a file

If you want to permanently delete an item, follow the steps below.

1. Log in to OneDrive with your University email and password
2. Open the (first-stage) Recycle bin:
   1. In the left-hand menu, select Recycle bin.
      If Recycle bin is not visible, select Site contents, then select Recycle bin from the top-right corner.
3. Go to the Second-stage recycle bin:
   1. Scroll to the bottom of the Recycle bin page.
   2. Select Second-stage recycle bin. This may appear as "Items deleted from this Recycle Bin are stored in the Second-stage Recycle Bin".
4. Permanently delete items:
   1. Select the items to delete.
   2. Select Delete.
   3. Confirm the action when prompted.

Log in to OneDrive