How to get rid of (or put) desktop, trash can, home folder icons from Desktop

*This can also be done with Ubuntu Tweak application.

I got this from here.

we need to get it one on the desktop. For this, we will be using the Configuration Editor. Open the Run Application window (Alt+F2) and enter gconf-editor. Click Run.

Using the Gnome Configuration Editor

To me, the gconf-editor looks a bit like the registry editor under Windows. In the left pane, click the arrow in front of apps to drop down the hidden options. A listing of applications on your system will appear. The one we are interested in is nautilus. Click the arrow in from of nautilus to show the options there and you should see one labeled desktop. Click desktop.

In the right pane, you will see options for adding the trash can icon to the desktop. Also available are the icons for the computer, home folder and network. Placing a check mark for the icon_visible option for any of these items will place the icon on the desktop. Additionally, you can name these items anything you desire. As a side note, you can always rename the icons directly from the desktop by right clicking the item and choosing Rename...

When you are done making your choices in the Configuration Editor, close the window. That is all there is to getting those icons you have grown to love on the desktop.