How to selectively empty trash?

Why not use a folder instead of the Trash to store files you want to keep?

As far as I know, there's no selective delete.

 

I remember having the same problem. I think you have to hold option or the apple key while you right click on your trash and hit empty trash. I know on leopard a little pop up comes up telling you that there are files you cant delete, and then it tells you what key you have to hold down if you really want to delete it. Hope this helps.