Abstract: Web sites, such as collaborative web sites, support a multi-stage recycling bin scheme in which items erroneously deleted from a web site can be restored to the web site. In a multi-stage recycling bin scheme a user deletes an item from a web site to a user recycle bin. The item is also deleted to a web site first stage recycle bin. On a subsequent delete of the item from the user recycle bin, the item is deleted from the user's recycle bin and the web site first stage recycle bin to a web site second stage recycle bin. Only when the item is deleted for a third time, from the web site second stage recycle bin, is the item permanently deleted from the web site. Prior to a permanent delete from the web site second stage recycle bin, an item can be restored to the web site.