Quiltmouse- yes, anything that is a permanent solution to removing the Object from the UFO pile counts as a finish! That would include throwing it away; burning it; burying it out back; loading it up with rocks and tossing it in the nearest body of water; giving it to someone else to finish; throwing it over the clothesline and telling your kids, grandkids or greatgrandkids it’s their new tent/clubhouse; using it to protect the guest bed from dog/cat hair since that's where your studio assistant likes to perch while you create new UFOs (er, Completed objects)...
edited to add, Completing the object also counts LOL
Rob