A technique for managing messages stored in a messaging system may include determining whether messages designated for deletion within a current data container exceed a predetermined threshold. If such a determination is made, thereafter, a first amount of time required to delete the messages designated for deletion is calculated. A second amount of time required to copy the messages not designated for deletion in the current data container is also calculated. Thereafter, messages are selectively deleted or copied based at least in part on the calculated first and second amounts of time. In some variations, if the second amount of time exceeds the first amount of time (or exceeds the first amount of time by a predetermined threshold), then the messages designated for deletion are deleted. Otherwise, the messages not designated for deletion may be copied into a new data container and the current data container may be dropped.