You can from the Unix. But it would be better to do what mathogre suggested. Remember accidents happen, someone can easily empty the trash and you would then have a possible problem. Just create a temporary folder and place the stuff that maybe going to the trash there. Then from that folder, sort through it, and place the unwanted items in the trash.
You're absolutely right. It can be done in Unix. I know where to find it on the Mac and how to do it. I also have too much experience in what you understand. It's very easy to lose valuable data if you don't know what you're doing, and even if you do know what you're doing.
When the OP mentioned this was production work, my immediate reaction was to protect the data and not risk losing it. I've managed a couple projects, and if a staff member had come to me with that question, I'd have responded the same way: firmly and directly.
I'll admit I don't know the ins and outs of the OS X trash system, but I do know what it is in the Windows world. My guess is there are similarities. Anything in trash is subject to overwriting should drive space become tight. Earlier in the day at M-F, someone posted something about data in the trash being automatically discarded after something like 30 days. The bottom line is that trash is volatile. If you have anything you want to keep, the trash is NOT the place to keep it.
Okay, now it's time for me to chill. Aaaah.