A decision model is presented for optimally timing the disposal of perishable inventories under conditions of fixed lifetime perishability and stochastic demand. The method has the important feature of keying on expected remaining time until item demand occurs, instead of on inventory levels. In addition, the decision process is independent of the stock replenishment policy and of profit contribution, salvage value, and inventory holding cost estimates. Disposal probabilities for fresh items subject to Poisson demand are derived.