How do you delete from the file (rejects) from the stored location within the library? I import the files in the library, then delete the version and original image… but the downloaded file on my hard drive folder still shows the original file. How do you remove the permanent file you stored on your hard drive and the version in Aperture 3?

To completely remove an image file from your HD with Aperture you actually get 2 opportunities to change your mind. The command Joseph mentions above to delete images from the library actually only moves the images into the Aperture trash.

To completely remove them from Aperture you must empty the Aperture trash. There are 3 ways to do this:
1. Aperture->Empty Aperture Trash
2. Right-click the trash icon in the library tab and choose Empty Aperture Trash
3. Use keyboard shortcut Shift-Command-Delete (⇧⌘⌫)

(Note: If your images are referenced, you’ll see a checkbox that controls whether the referenced files themselves are deleted)

Emptying the Aperture trash moves the images to the MacOS trash where you get one more chance to change your mind before emptying it.

Thanks Thomas. Interesting enough I did this prior and it did not work. I reset the preferences and now it works. Go figure. I like the safety feature of the empty Aperture trash. Is there a way to view the Aperture trash files and see what you are about to delete or move to OS trash?

Just select the Trash icon in the library pane in Aperture and you will see all photos that are in the Aperture trash. Make sure the browser filter is set to show all.