Inactive DynamoDB Table

Service Category

Database

Cloud Provider

AWS

Service Name

AWS DynamoDB

Inefficiency Type

Unused Resource

Explanation

This inefficiency occurs when a DynamoDB table is no longer accessed by any active workload but continues to accumulate storage charges. These tables often remain after a project ends, a feature is retired, or data is migrated elsewhere. Without any read or write activity, the table provides no functional value and becomes a cost liability.

Relevant Billing Model

DynamoDB charges for data storage (per GB-month) and for read/write activity (either per request or via provisioned capacity). Tables incur storage charges continuously, regardless of usage.

Detection

Identify tables with zero read or write activity over a defined lookback period (e.g. 7, 14, 30+ days)
Confirm no dependencies exist from applications, analytics jobs, backup processes, or event streams
Check metadata (tags, naming, creation date) to determine purpose and ownership
Validate with data owners whether the table’s content must be retained for compliance or reference

Remediation

Delete the table if it’s no longer needed. If data retention is required, export the table contents (e.g., to S3) before deletion. Use lifecycle tagging or ownership metadata to track tables going forward and avoid orphaned storage. For tables that may become inactive again in the future, consider archiving the data or restructuring workflows to avoid indefinite retention.

Relevant Documentation