diff --git a/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c b/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c
index 16d2ef222e..ed3d643073 100644
--- a/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c
+++ b/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c
@@ -893,8 +893,13 @@ static void
 update_trash_icon (GtkPlacesSidebar *sidebar)
 {
   if (sidebar->trash_row)
-    gtk_sidebar_row_set_icon (GTK_SIDEBAR_ROW (sidebar->trash_row),
-                              _gtk_trash_monitor_get_icon (sidebar->trash_monitor));
+    {
+      GIcon *icon;
+
+      icon = _gtk_trash_monitor_get_icon (sidebar->trash_monitor);
+      gtk_sidebar_row_set_icon (GTK_SIDEBAR_ROW (sidebar->trash_row), icon);
+      g_object_unref (icon);
+    }
 }
 
 static void