# Inactive and Detached EBS Volume

Canonical: https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/inactive-and-detached-ebs-volume

[Cloud Efficiency Hub](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub) 

# Inactive and Detached EBS Volume

## Explanation

EBS volumes frequently remain detached after EC2 instances are terminated, replaced, or reconfigured. Some may be intentionally retained for reattachment or backup purposes, but many persist unintentionally due to the lack of automated cleanup. When these detached volumes are also inactive-showing no read or write activity-they represent unnecessary ongoing costs. Identifying and removing these orphaned volumes can produce meaningful savings without affecting running workloads.

## Relevant Billing Model

EBS volumes are billed based on the provisioned volume type, size, and performance configuration, regardless of usage or attachment

## Detection

- Identify EBS volumes that are not attached to any EC2 instance ("available")

- Review usage data to confirm that no read or write activity has occurred over a defined lookback period

- Check whether the volume is intentionally retained for manual recovery, reattachment, or snapshot purposes, especially if it's part of a known backup or disaster recovery process managed outside of AWS

- Evaluate the cost contribution of the volume based on size, type, and provisioned IOPS

- Determine whether a recent snapshot exists or is needed before deletion

- Confirm with application or infrastructure owners whether the volume still serves a purpose

## Remediation

Delete detached and inactive EBS volumes that are no longer required. Before deletion, take a snapshot if the data must be retained for backup or compliance purposes. Consider setting up scheduled audits or automated cleanup routines to regularly identify and remove unused volumes.

## Relevant Documentation

- [EBS Pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/ebs/pricing//%22)

- [Controlling EBS Costs](https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/mt/controlling-your-aws-costs-by-deleting-unused-amazon-ebs-volumes//)

[Submit Feedback](https://hub.pointfive.co/inefficiencies/inactive-and-detached-ebs-volume)

## At a glance

Reference

CER-0066

Cloud provider

AWS

Service

AWS EBS

Category

[Storage](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/service-category/storage)

Inefficiency type

Unused Resource

## Contributed by

- Taylor Houck 

### Taylor Houck

Cloud FinOps Specialist @ PointFive

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/twhouck/)

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