Re: "Emptying Trash gets hung up with files both on iCloud and local:
Why can the Trash not delete these files whether they are local or on iCloud?"
Many of us prefer to do things our own way, yet that may not be the way Apple's sync system is set up to work.
Eg: You may have settings in place that retain deleted files, keeping them accessible for up to 30 days, unless permanently deleted across all devices that are in sync...
Files in sync delete everywhere they are in sync. Eg: Delete from Mac they delete in iCloud & vice versa.
Delete files in iCloud Drive on iCloud.com
Files you delete from iCloud Drive are recoverable for 30 days, but you can remove deleted files before the 30-day time period is up. See Recover deleted files on iCloud.com
Note: Files in the Recently Deleted folder don’t count toward your iCloud storage.
Info on how to: Delete and recover photos and videos on iCloud.com
Eg: About permanent deletion:: See: Permanently remove deleted files on iCloud.com - Apple Support
Apple Support's article provides it's own recommendations for creating more space: through file deletion.
See: Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support
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Resource: iCloud User Guide - Apple Support
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Else: If more support is needed: You can contact iCloud Support:
(There is a "Get Support" link (online chat, phone, eMail etc) at the bottom of their webpage (link below):
iCloud - Official Apple Support
There's a Web-form for Feedback - iCloud - Apple : Feedback - iCloud - Apple
