I have a specific project that contains quite a few audio files from imported clips that have since been deleted (typically replaced with other clips).  The Audio folder keeps getting larger every time I do this, because SONAR (X1) doesn't delete the file when I delete the clip.
 
Is there a housekeeping task that can be run on a project that would delete all unreferenced files from the Audio folder?
 
Or is that kind of optimization not supported, so I have to resave the project under a new name?  (which only copies over the referenced files)
 

Load the project, then use File -> Save As to save it under a new name. This will copy only the referenced files to the new location. Once you're sure you have all the files you need, you can delete the original project folder.

@bitflipper: If I have a project (cwp) and want to save multiple versions all in the same folder, (differrent mixes etc) will this delete any audio?

You have to do the deleting. The Save As would save the file to the new location with all the required files.

Sorry to ask to clarify, just want to make sure I understand. 

I create a new project named "newsong.cwp", do lots of tracking, scratch vox, guitars, 12 guitar solos, drums etc. Once all tracking is complete. I keep the original project as a backup. I file/save as "newsong_mix1.cwp" in the same folder as "newsong.cwp",  and then delete 11 of the guitar solos, delete the scratch vocals etc, to tidy up the project and start mixing.  does this delete my audio files (the 11 guitar solos & the scratch vocals) from the audio folder?

I think the main thing is to do the "save as" and create a unique folder before starting any work. 
That puts that project's audio folder in that project's folder, keeping it and it's wave files separate from all other audio folders.

TraceyStudios -

Deleting tracks in your "Newsong_Mix1" will not delete tracks in the original "Newsong"  So if you screw up really bad, you can always go back to your original project and start the mix again

M_Glenn_M


I think the main thing is to do the "save as" and create a unique folder before starting any work. 
That puts that project's audio folder in that project's folder, keeping it and it's wave files separate from all other audio folders.

^^^ This!!

Make sure the check box "Copy Audio With Project" is ticked.

Load the project, then use File -> Save As to save it under a new name. This will copy only the referenced files to the new location. Once you're sure you have all the files you need, you can delete the original project folder.

 
Great tip bitflipper - thanks.  I've often thought the same but never considered the simple solution here.

Do what Bitflipper said.  It saves into a new folder. And it only saves the files associated with the project that are active in the project. 

So the lead guitar solo that took 23 takes to nail...... the only take that is saved is the one IN the track that is active. 

Simply delete manually the older project and it's associated audio folder. If you save the audio folder in the project folder like you should, simply delete the project folder and you're done. 

The new project will be leaner and much smaller. 

Remember, if you don't empty the recycling bin automatically the old project and all it's files is still 100% recoverable if you suddenly decide you need it back..... up until you empty the recycling bin.