# EBS Snapshot Features: Snapshot Archive and Recycle Bin

### EBS Snapshot Archive

The **EBS Snapshot Archive** is a feature that helps you save costs by moving older, less frequently accessed snapshots to a lower-cost storage tier. Normally, snapshots are stored in standard storage, which is more expensive. But if you have snapshots that you rarely use, you can archive them to save money.

#### Key Features:

* **Cost-efficient**: Moving snapshots to the archive tier can reduce storage costs by up to **75%**.
    
* **Restoration**: Archived snapshots can be restored when needed, though it might take some time (up to 72 hours).
    
* **Lifecycle Management**: You can automate the process of moving snapshots to the archive tier after a certain period using Amazon Data Lifecycle Manager (DLM).
    

### Recycle Bin for EBS Snapshots

The **Recycle Bin** is like a safety net for deleted EBS Snapshots. It ensures that when you delete a snapshot, it doesn’t disappear immediately. Instead, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, where it stays for a certain period before permanent deletion. This gives you the chance to recover snapshots that were deleted accidentally.

#### Key Features:

* **Retention Period**: You can set how long deleted snapshots stay in the Recycle Bin before they are permanently removed.
    
* **Snapshot Recovery**: If you mistakenly delete a snapshot, you can easily recover it from the Recycle Bin.
    
* **Protection from accidental deletion**: It helps prevent data loss by giving you an extra layer of protection.
    

### How These Features Help

1. **Cost Savings**: The EBS Snapshot Archive helps you optimize storage costs by moving less-used snapshots to cheaper storage.
    
2. **Data Protection**: The Recycle Bin feature ensures that deleted snapshots aren’t lost forever, giving you peace of mind.
    
3. **Automation**: Using lifecycle policies, you can automate snapshot management, making it easier to handle backups and storage.