windows 7 icons

I installed windows 7 as an upgrade from vista. I have never had the recycle bin icon on my windows 7 desktop. The only recycle bin icon in my list refers to the vista recycle bin. How do I get the bin on my desktop? I have the bin icon checked in personalisation box, but it still won't show. If their is another way of emptying the recycle bin, please tell me.

Try this registry tweak. I use it for mine. There is also a hidebin tweak. Right click and choose 'merge' then refresh your desktop.