diff --git a/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.h b/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.h
--- a/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.h
+++ b/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.h
@@ -306,6 +306,7 @@
         void updatePasteAction();
         void addDragImage(QDrag *drag, int x, int y);
         void setStatus(Status status);
+        static bool isTrashEmpty();
         QList<QUrl> selectedUrls() const;
         KDirModel *m_dirModel;
         KDirWatch *m_dirWatch;
diff --git a/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.cpp b/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.cpp
--- a/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.cpp
+++ b/containments/desktop/plugins/folder/foldermodel.cpp
@@ -1618,8 +1618,7 @@
     if (emptyTrash) {
         if (isTrash) {
             emptyTrash->setVisible(true);
-            KConfig trashConfig(QStringLiteral("trashrc"), KConfig::SimpleConfig);
-            emptyTrash->setEnabled(!trashConfig.group("Status").readEntry("Empty", true));
+            emptyTrash->setEnabled(!isTrashEmpty());
         } else {
             emptyTrash->setVisible(false);
         }
@@ -1738,6 +1737,7 @@
                 // called before we open the menu, it would correct visibility again when opening
                 // the context menu for other items later.
                 emptyTrashAction->setVisible(true);
+                emptyTrashAction->setEnabled(!isTrashEmpty());
                 menu->addAction(emptyTrashAction);
             }
         } else {
@@ -1961,6 +1961,12 @@
     job->uiDelegate()->setAutoErrorHandlingEnabled(true);
 }
 
+bool FolderModel::isTrashEmpty()
+{
+    KConfig trashConfig(QStringLiteral("trashrc"), KConfig::SimpleConfig);
+    return trashConfig.group("Status").readEntry("Empty", true);
+}
+
 void FolderModel::undoTextChanged(const QString &text)
 {
     if (QAction *action = m_actionCollection.action(QStringLiteral("undo"))) {