diff --git a/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/handle_map.rs b/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/handle_map.rs
index f121389696..8390a425f2 100644
--- a/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/handle_map.rs
+++ b/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/handle_map.rs
@@ -49,6 +49,10 @@ impl<V> HandleMap<V> {
     }
 
     pub fn remove_handle(&mut self, handle: RawHandle) {
+        assert!(
+            self.map.contains_key(&handle),
+            "attempting to remove non-existing handle {handle}, this is a memory managedment issue"
+        );
         let _ = self.map.remove(&handle);
     }
 }
diff --git a/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/tx_managed_buffer.rs b/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/tx_managed_buffer.rs
index 0fff43c1c4..cbab957225 100644
--- a/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/tx_managed_buffer.rs
+++ b/chain/vm/src/host/context/managed_type_container/tx_managed_buffer.rs
@@ -185,6 +185,7 @@ impl ManagedTypeContainer {
     }
 
     pub fn mb_remove(&mut self, handle: RawHandle) {
+        println!("removing MB: {handle}");
         self.managed_buffer_map.remove_handle(handle);
     }
 }
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-legacy/src/fwd_nft_legacy.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-legacy/src/fwd_nft_legacy.rs
index 5d922c2312..f2edb703c9 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-legacy/src/fwd_nft_legacy.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-legacy/src/fwd_nft_legacy.rs
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderNftModule: fwd_storage_legacy::ForwarderStorageModule {
             &amount,
             self.blockchain().get_gas_left(),
             &function,
-            &arguments.to_arg_buffer(),
+            &arguments.into_arg_buffer(),
         );
     }
 
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-queue/src/forwarder_queue.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-queue/src/forwarder_queue.rs
index d3acd13ad4..dc1c9fe735 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-queue/src/forwarder_queue.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-queue/src/forwarder_queue.rs
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderQueue {
             to,
             gas_limit,
             endpoint_name,
-            args: args.to_arg_buffer(),
+            args: args.into_arg_buffer(),
             payments: payments.clone(),
         });
     }
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_alt_init.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_alt_init.rs
index de16dfcff3..1ed99aa70d 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_alt_init.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_alt_init.rs
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawAlternativeInit: super::forwarder_raw_common::ForwarderRaw
         self.tx()
             .to(&to)
             .raw_call(endpoint_name)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .async_call_and_exit();
     }
 
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawAlternativeInit: super::forwarder_raw_common::ForwarderRaw
             .gas(half_gas)
             .egld(payment)
             .raw_call(endpoint_name)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .returns(ReturnsRawResult)
             .sync_call();
 
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_deploy_upgrade.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_deploy_upgrade.rs
index 803119c140..94de70ccc6 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_deploy_upgrade.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_deploy_upgrade.rs
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawDeployUpgrade {
             .raw_deploy()
             .code(code)
             .code_metadata(code_metadata)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .gas(self.blockchain().get_gas_left())
             .returns(ReturnsNewManagedAddress)
             .returns(ReturnsRawResult)
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawDeployUpgrade {
             .raw_deploy()
             .from_source(source_contract_address)
             .code_metadata(code_metadata)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .gas(self.blockchain().get_gas_left())
             .returns(ReturnsNewManagedAddress)
             .sync_call()
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawDeployUpgrade {
             .raw_upgrade()
             .code(new_code)
             .code_metadata(code_metadata)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .upgrade_async_call_and_exit();
     }
 
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawDeployUpgrade {
             .raw_upgrade()
             .from_source(source_contract_address)
             .code_metadata(code_metadata)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .gas(self.blockchain().get_gas_left())
             .upgrade_async_call_and_exit();
     }
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_sync.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_sync.rs
index bd1188c1bb..d2d3f62bf1 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_sync.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder-raw/src/forwarder_raw_sync.rs
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderRawSync: super::forwarder_raw_common::ForwarderRawCommon {
         let payment = self.call_value().egld();
         let one_third_gas = self.blockchain().get_gas_left() / 3;
         let half_payment = &*payment / 2u32;
-        let arg_buffer = args.to_arg_buffer();
+        let arg_buffer = args.into_arg_buffer();
 
         let result = self
             .tx()
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_call_promise_direct.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_call_promise_direct.rs
index 255bf46d6b..27e8e6c079 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_call_promise_direct.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_call_promise_direct.rs
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ pub trait CallPromisesDirectModule {
             .to(&to)
             .raw_call(endpoint_name)
             .payment(payment)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .gas(gas_limit)
             .callback(self.callbacks().the_one_callback(1001, 1002u32.into()))
             .gas_for_callback(extra_gas_for_callback)
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_fallible.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_fallible.rs
index 114f5d7665..e907c184fb 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_fallible.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_fallible.rs
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderFallibleModule {
             .to(&to)
             .gas(half_gas)
             .raw_call(endpoint_name)
-            .arguments_raw(args.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(args.into_arg_buffer())
             .returns(ReturnsHandledOrError::new().returns(ReturnsRawResult))
             .sync_call_fallible();
 
diff --git a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_nft.rs b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_nft.rs
index 45ef1c2111..dc298e1570 100644
--- a/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_nft.rs
+++ b/contracts/feature-tests/composability/forwarder/src/fwd_nft.rs
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ pub trait ForwarderNftModule: fwd_storage::ForwarderStorageModule {
             .to(&to)
             .gas(gas_left)
             .raw_call(function)
-            .arguments_raw(arguments.to_arg_buffer())
+            .arguments_raw(arguments.into_arg_buffer())
             .single_esdt(&token_identifier, nonce, &amount)
             .transfer_execute();
     }
diff --git a/framework/base/src/api/managed_types/managed_type_api_impl.rs b/framework/base/src/api/managed_types/managed_type_api_impl.rs
index 64fc31d81e..a61136639d 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/api/managed_types/managed_type_api_impl.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/api/managed_types/managed_type_api_impl.rs
@@ -60,6 +60,9 @@ pub trait ManagedTypeApiImpl:
         token_identifier_util::get_token_ticker_len(token_id_len)
     }
 
+    fn requires_managed_type_drop(&self) -> bool {
+        false
+    }
     fn drop_managed_buffer(&self, _handle: Self::ManagedBufferHandle) {}
     fn drop_big_float(&self, _handle: Self::BigFloatHandle) {}
     fn drop_big_int(&self, _handle: Self::BigIntHandle) {}
diff --git a/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/blockchain_wrapper.rs b/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/blockchain_wrapper.rs
index 3dda779af3..5d5affe722 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/blockchain_wrapper.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/blockchain_wrapper.rs
@@ -499,8 +499,7 @@ where
                 big_int_temp_handle.clone(),
             );
 
-            let bu = BigUint::<A>::from_handle(big_int_temp_handle);
-            // TODO: forget bu
+            let bu = ManagedRef::<A, BigUint<A>>::wrap_handle(big_int_temp_handle); //  BigUint::<A>::from_handle(big_int_temp_handle);
             bu.to_u64().unwrap_or(255)
         }
     }
@@ -718,7 +717,7 @@ where
             result_handle.clone(),
         );
 
-        let result = unsafe { ManagedBuffer::<A>::from_handle(result_handle) };
+        let result = unsafe { ManagedRef::<A, ManagedBuffer<A>>::wrap_handle(result_handle) };
 
         // Decoding the response needs more research
         // Empty response means no address has transferRole for the token
diff --git a/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/storage_raw_wrapper.rs b/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/storage_raw_wrapper.rs
index de295425b1..d61032b062 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/storage_raw_wrapper.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/contract_base/wrappers/storage_raw_wrapper.rs
@@ -6,10 +6,7 @@ use crate::api::HandleConstraints;
 use crate::codec::{TopDecode, TopEncode};
 
 use crate::{
-    api::{
-        ErrorApi, ManagedTypeApi, StorageReadApi, StorageReadApiImpl, StorageWriteApi,
-        const_handles::MBUF_TEMPORARY_1, use_raw_handle,
-    },
+    api::{ErrorApi, ManagedTypeApi, StorageReadApi, StorageReadApiImpl, StorageWriteApi},
     storage::StorageKey,
     storage_get,
     storage_get::StorageGetErrorHandler,
@@ -59,8 +56,7 @@ where
         V: TopDecode,
     {
         let key: StorageKey<A> = storage_key.into();
-        let result_buffer =
-            unsafe { ManagedBuffer::<A>::from_handle(use_raw_handle(MBUF_TEMPORARY_1)) };
+        let result_buffer = unsafe { ManagedBuffer::<A>::new_uninit() };
         A::storage_read_api_impl().storage_load_from_address(
             address.get_handle(),
             key.get_handle(),
diff --git a/framework/base/src/storage/storage_set.rs b/framework/base/src/storage/storage_set.rs
index f527992444..9ee302f237 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/storage/storage_set.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/storage/storage_set.rs
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ where
 
         let handle: A::ManagedBufferHandle = use_raw_handle(const_handles::MBUF_TEMPORARY_1);
         A::managed_type_impl().mb_from_small_int_unsigned(handle.clone(), value as i64);
-        let managed_buffer = unsafe { ManagedBuffer::from_handle(handle) };
+        let managed_buffer = unsafe { ManagedRef::wrap_handle(handle) };
         self.set_managed_buffer(&managed_buffer);
     }
 
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ where
 
         let handle: A::ManagedBufferHandle = use_raw_handle(const_handles::MBUF_TEMPORARY_1);
         A::managed_type_impl().mb_from_small_int_signed(handle.clone(), value);
-        let managed_buffer = unsafe { ManagedBuffer::from_handle(handle) };
+        let managed_buffer = unsafe { ManagedRef::wrap_handle(handle) };
         self.set_managed_buffer(&managed_buffer);
     }
 
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/interaction/tx_data/function_call.rs b/framework/base/src/types/interaction/tx_data/function_call.rs
index 0be7c24c1d..fbf1cb05aa 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/interaction/tx_data/function_call.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/interaction/tx_data/function_call.rs
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ where
             MultiValueEncoded::<Api, ManagedBuffer<Api>>::multi_decode_or_handle_err(input, h)?;
         Ok(FunctionCall {
             function_name,
-            arg_buffer: args.to_arg_buffer(),
+            arg_buffer: args.into_arg_buffer(),
         })
     }
 }
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/basic/managed_buffer.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/basic/managed_buffer.rs
index bfa0b30a83..7693ae3b79 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/basic/managed_buffer.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/basic/managed_buffer.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use crate::{
     abi::{TypeAbi, TypeAbiFrom, TypeName},
     api::{
         ErrorApiImpl, HandleConstraints, InvalidSliceError, ManagedBufferApiImpl, ManagedTypeApi,
-        RawHandle, StaticVarApiImpl, use_raw_handle,
+        ManagedTypeApiImpl, RawHandle, StaticVarApiImpl, use_raw_handle,
     },
     codec::{
         DecodeErrorHandler, Empty, EncodeErrorHandler, NestedDecode, NestedDecodeInput,
@@ -411,17 +411,15 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedBuffer<M> {
 
 impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> Clone for ManagedBuffer<M> {
     fn clone(&self) -> Self {
-        let api = M::managed_type_impl();
-        let clone_handle = api.mb_new_empty();
-        api.mb_append(clone_handle.clone(), self.handle.clone());
-        unsafe { ManagedBuffer::from_handle(clone_handle) }
+        let cloned = ManagedBuffer::new();
+        M::managed_type_impl().mb_append(cloned.get_handle(), self.handle.clone());
+        cloned
     }
 }
 
 impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> Drop for ManagedBuffer<M> {
     fn drop(&mut self) {
-        // TODO: enable, after fixing all ownership issues
-        // M::managed_type_impl().drop_managed_buffer(self.handle.clone());
+        M::managed_type_impl().drop_managed_buffer(self.handle.clone());
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/egld_or_esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/egld_or_esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs
index 6022f38de4..08e1822a4b 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/egld_or_esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/egld_or_esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for EgldOrEsdtTokenPaymentMultiValue<M> {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = EgldOrEsdtTokenPayment::<M>::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        EgldOrEsdtTokenPayment::read_from_payload(payload).into()
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { EgldOrEsdtTokenPayment::read_from_payload(payload).into() }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs
index 01bc1d40e7..e71fab9ca3 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/esdt_token_payment_multi_value.rs
@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for EsdtTokenPaymentMultiValue<M> {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = EsdtTokenPayment::<M>::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        EsdtTokenPayment::read_from_payload(payload).into()
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { EsdtTokenPayment::read_from_payload(payload).into() }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_encoded.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_encoded.rs
index f0e8678f02..2702c926f7 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_encoded.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_encoded.rs
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ use crate::{
     },
     contract_base::{ExitCodecErrorHandler, ManagedSerializer},
     err_msg,
-    types::{ManagedArgBuffer, ManagedBuffer, ManagedType, ManagedVec, ManagedVecItem},
+    types::{ManagedArgBuffer, ManagedBuffer, ManagedVec, ManagedVecItem},
 };
 use core::{iter::FromIterator, marker::PhantomData};
 
@@ -107,7 +107,11 @@ where
     M: ManagedTypeApi,
 {
     pub fn to_arg_buffer(&self) -> ManagedArgBuffer<M> {
-        unsafe { ManagedArgBuffer::from_handle(self.raw_buffers.get_handle()) }
+        ManagedArgBuffer::from(self.raw_buffers.clone())
+    }
+
+    pub fn into_arg_buffer(self) -> ManagedArgBuffer<M> {
+        ManagedArgBuffer::from(self.raw_buffers)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_managed_vec_counted.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_managed_vec_counted.rs
index 4f51989a9b..c2d1b02d84 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_managed_vec_counted.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/multi_value_managed_vec_counted.rs
@@ -100,12 +100,12 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        Self::from(ManagedVec::<M, T>::read_from_payload(payload))
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { Self::from(ManagedVec::<M, T>::read_from_payload(payload)) }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
-        Self::read_from_payload(payload)
+        unsafe { Self::read_from_payload(payload) }
     }
 
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD) {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/payment_multi_value.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/payment_multi_value.rs
index e049f6c480..dfb22388b6 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/payment_multi_value.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/multi_value/payment_multi_value.rs
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for PaymentMultiValue<M> {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = Payment::<M>::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        Payment::read_from_payload(payload).into()
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { Payment::read_from_payload(payload).into() }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/encoded_managed_vec_item.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/encoded_managed_vec_item.rs
index 205a219a2c..9fad5f9eca 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/encoded_managed_vec_item.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/encoded_managed_vec_item.rs
@@ -14,7 +14,9 @@ where
     T: ManagedVecItem,
 {
     pub(crate) fn decode(&self) -> T {
-        T::read_from_payload(&self.encoded)
+        // TODO: not safe!!
+        // must revisit
+        unsafe { T::read_from_payload(&self.encoded) }
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal.rs
index 4b1726d05b..34d41b269f 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal.rs
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for ManagedDecimal<M, NumDecimals> {
 
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             Self {
@@ -178,8 +178,8 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi, DECIMALS: Unsigned> ManagedVecItem
 
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        Self::const_decimals_from_raw(BigUint::read_from_payload(payload))
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { Self::const_decimals_from_raw(BigUint::read_from_payload(payload)) }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal/managed_decimal_signed.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal/managed_decimal_signed.rs
index 3c76e4b28f..06799395ad 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal/managed_decimal_signed.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_decimal/managed_decimal_signed.rs
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for ManagedDecimalSigned<M, NumDecimals>
 
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             Self {
@@ -228,8 +228,8 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi, DECIMALS: Unsigned> ManagedVecItem
 
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        Self::const_decimals_from_raw(BigInt::read_from_payload(payload))
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { Self::const_decimals_from_raw(BigInt::read_from_payload(payload)) }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_option.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_option.rs
index 844153c94d..62006035b1 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_option.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_option.rs
@@ -206,14 +206,16 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        let handle = use_raw_handle(i32::read_from_payload(payload));
-        Self::new_with_handle(handle)
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe {
+            let handle = use_raw_handle(i32::read_from_payload(payload));
+            Self::new_with_handle(handle)
+        }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
         // TODO: managed ref
-        Self::read_from_payload(payload)
+        unsafe { Self::read_from_payload(payload) }
     }
 
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD) {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_ref_mut.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_ref_mut.rs
index e017021d24..0abc304c6a 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_ref_mut.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_ref_mut.rs
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ where
 
     /// Will completely disregard lifetimes, use with care.
     #[doc(hidden)]
-    pub(crate) unsafe fn wrap_handle(handle: T::OwnHandle) -> Self {
+    pub unsafe fn wrap_handle(handle: T::OwnHandle) -> Self {
         Self {
             _phantom_m: PhantomData,
             _phantom_t: PhantomData,
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec.rs
index 07fdfdd987..809a1c3ada 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec.rs
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ use crate::{
     },
     types::{
         ManagedBuffer, ManagedBufferNestedDecodeInput, ManagedType, ManagedVecItem,
-        ManagedVecRefIterator, ManagedVecRefMut, MultiValueEncoded, MultiValueManagedVec,
+        ManagedVecPayloadIterator, ManagedVecRefIterator, ManagedVecRefMut, MultiValueEncoded,
+        MultiValueManagedVec,
     },
 };
 use alloc::{format, vec::Vec};
@@ -55,7 +56,11 @@ where
     }
 
     unsafe fn forget_into_handle(self) -> Self::OwnHandle {
-        unsafe { self.buffer.forget_into_handle() }
+        unsafe {
+            let handle = core::ptr::read(&self.buffer.handle);
+            core::mem::forget(self);
+            handle
+        }
     }
 
     fn transmute_from_handle_ref(handle_ref: &M::ManagedBufferHandle) -> &Self {
@@ -238,7 +243,7 @@ where
     pub(super) unsafe fn get_unsafe(&self, index: usize) -> T {
         let mut payload = T::PAYLOAD::new_buffer();
         if self.load_item_payload(index, &mut payload) {
-            T::read_from_payload(&payload)
+            unsafe { T::read_from_payload(&payload) }
         } else {
             M::error_api_impl().signal_error(INDEX_OUT_OF_RANGE_MSG);
         }
@@ -596,11 +601,18 @@ where
             other
                 .buffer
                 .load_slice(byte_index, other_payload.payload_slice_mut());
-            let self_item = T::read_from_payload(&self_payload);
-            let other_item = T::read_from_payload(&other_payload);
-            if self_item != other_item {
-                return false;
+            unsafe {
+                // ok because of the forget below
+                let self_item = T::read_from_payload(&self_payload);
+                let other_item = T::read_from_payload(&other_payload);
+
+                if self_item != other_item {
+                    return false;
+                }
+                core::mem::forget(self_item);
+                core::mem::forget(other_item);
             }
+
             byte_index += T::payload_size();
         }
         true
@@ -639,6 +651,24 @@ where
     }
 }
 
+impl<M, T> Drop for ManagedVec<M, T>
+where
+    M: ManagedTypeApi,
+    T: ManagedVecItem,
+{
+    fn drop(&mut self) {
+        unsafe {
+            if T::requires_drop() {
+                let iter = ManagedVecPayloadIterator::<M, T::PAYLOAD>::new(self.get_handle());
+                for payload in iter {
+                    let item = T::read_from_payload(&payload);
+                    core::mem::drop(item);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 impl<M, T> TopEncode for ManagedVec<M, T>
 where
     M: ManagedTypeApi,
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_item.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_item.rs
index 210a602e09..bbb235bdec 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_item.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_item.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use multiversx_chain_core::types::{EsdtLocalRole, EsdtTokenType};
 use multiversx_sc_codec::multi_types::{MultiValue2, MultiValue3};
 
 use crate::{
-    api::{HandleConstraints, ManagedTypeApi, use_raw_handle},
+    api::{HandleConstraints, ManagedTypeApi, ManagedTypeApiImpl, use_raw_handle},
     types::{
         BigInt, BigUint, EllipticCurve, EsdtTokenIdentifier, ManagedAddress, ManagedBuffer,
         ManagedByteArray, ManagedRef, ManagedType, ManagedVec, NonZeroBigUint, TokenId,
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ use super::{
 /// in the underlying managed buffer.
 /// Not all data needs to be stored as payload, for instance for most managed types
 /// the payload is just the handle, whereas the mai ndata is kept by the VM.
-pub trait ManagedVecItem: 'static {
+pub trait ManagedVecItem: Sized + 'static {
     /// Type managing the underlying binary representation in a ManagedVec..
     type PAYLOAD: ManagedVecItemPayload;
 
@@ -50,7 +50,12 @@ pub trait ManagedVecItem: 'static {
     }
 
     /// Parses given bytes as a an owned object.
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self;
+    ///
+    /// # Safety
+    ///
+    /// It creates a new object from a payload, which will drop.
+    /// This can lead to a double drop, in case the payload is also handled by another object.
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self;
 
     /// Parses given bytes as a representation of the object, either owned, or a reference.
     ///
@@ -65,6 +70,25 @@ pub trait ManagedVecItem: 'static {
     ///
     /// Note that a destructor should not be called at this moment, since the ManagedVec will take ownership of the item.
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD);
+
+    /// Signals that vec should drop all items one by one when being itself dropped.
+    ///
+    /// If false, iterating over all items on drop makes no sense.
+    fn requires_drop() -> bool {
+        false
+    }
+
+    fn temp_decode<F, R>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD, f: F) -> R
+    where
+        F: FnOnce(&Self) -> R,
+    {
+        unsafe {
+            let item = Self::read_from_payload(payload);
+            let result = f(&item);
+            core::mem::forget(item);
+            result
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 /// Used by the ManagedVecItem derive.
@@ -110,7 +134,7 @@ macro_rules! impl_int {
             const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = true;
             type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-            fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+            unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
                 $ty::from_be_bytes(payload.buffer.into_array())
             }
 
@@ -136,12 +160,12 @@ impl ManagedVecItem for usize {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = true;
     type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        u32::read_from_payload(payload) as usize
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { u32::read_from_payload(payload) as usize }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
-        Self::read_from_payload(payload)
+        unsafe { Self::read_from_payload(payload) }
     }
 
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD) {
@@ -154,12 +178,12 @@ impl ManagedVecItem for bool {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = true;
     type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        u8::read_from_payload(payload) > 0
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { u8::read_from_payload(payload) > 0 }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
-        Self::read_from_payload(payload)
+        unsafe { Self::read_from_payload(payload) }
     }
 
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD) {
@@ -179,16 +203,16 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let (p1, p2) = <ManagedVecItemPayloadBuffer<U1> as ManagedVecItemPayloadAdd<
             T::PAYLOAD,
         >>::split_from_add(payload);
 
-        let disc = u8::read_from_payload(p1);
+        let disc = unsafe { u8::read_from_payload(p1) };
         if disc == 0 {
             None
         } else {
-            Some(T::read_from_payload(p2))
+            Some(unsafe { T::read_from_payload(p2) })
         }
     }
 
@@ -206,6 +230,10 @@ where
             t.save_to_payload(p2);
         }
     }
+
+    fn requires_drop() -> bool {
+        T::requires_drop()
+    }
 }
 
 macro_rules! impl_managed_type {
@@ -215,8 +243,8 @@ macro_rules! impl_managed_type {
             const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
             type Ref<'a> = ManagedRef<'a, M, Self>;
 
-            fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-                let handle = use_raw_handle(i32::read_from_payload(payload));
+            unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+                let handle = use_raw_handle(unsafe { i32::read_from_payload(payload) });
                 unsafe { Self::from_handle(handle) }
             }
 
@@ -253,8 +281,8 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = ManagedRef<'a, M, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        let handle = use_raw_handle(i32::read_from_payload(payload));
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        let handle = use_raw_handle(unsafe { i32::read_from_payload(payload) });
         unsafe { Self::from_handle(handle) }
     }
 
@@ -269,6 +297,10 @@ where
         let handle = unsafe { self.forget_into_handle() };
         handle.get_raw_handle().save_to_payload(payload);
     }
+
+    fn requires_drop() -> bool {
+        M::managed_type_impl().requires_managed_type_drop()
+    }
 }
 
 impl<M, T> ManagedVecItem for ManagedVec<M, T>
@@ -280,8 +312,8 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = ManagedRef<'a, M, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        let handle = use_raw_handle(i32::read_from_payload(payload));
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        let handle = use_raw_handle(unsafe { i32::read_from_payload(payload) });
         unsafe { Self::from_handle(handle) }
     }
 
@@ -296,6 +328,10 @@ where
         let handle = unsafe { self.forget_into_handle() };
         handle.get_raw_handle().save_to_payload(payload);
     }
+
+    fn requires_drop() -> bool {
+        M::managed_type_impl().requires_managed_type_drop()
+    }
 }
 
 impl ManagedVecItem for EsdtTokenType {
@@ -303,12 +339,12 @@ impl ManagedVecItem for EsdtTokenType {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = true;
     type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        u8::read_from_payload(payload).into()
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { u8::read_from_payload(payload).into() }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
-        Self::read_from_payload(payload)
+        unsafe { Self::read_from_payload(payload) }
     }
 
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD) {
@@ -321,12 +357,12 @@ impl ManagedVecItem for EsdtLocalRole {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false; // TODO: might be ok to be true, but needs testing
     type Ref<'a> = Self;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
-        u16::read_from_payload(payload).into()
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+        unsafe { u16::read_from_payload(payload).into() }
     }
 
     unsafe fn borrow_from_payload<'a>(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self::Ref<'a> {
-        Self::read_from_payload(payload)
+        unsafe { Self::read_from_payload(payload) }
     }
 
     fn save_to_payload(self, payload: &mut Self::PAYLOAD) {
@@ -344,7 +380,7 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = T1::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION && T2::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             (
@@ -381,7 +417,7 @@ where
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = T1::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION && T2::SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             (
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_iter_owned.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_iter_owned.rs
index f4712e7464..13c2aa6e08 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_iter_owned.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_iter_owned.rs
@@ -54,7 +54,8 @@ where
 
     fn next(&mut self) -> Option<T> {
         let payload = self.payload_iter.next()?;
-        Some(T::read_from_payload(&payload))
+        // ok, because the iterator has ownership over the payload and no drop
+        unsafe { Some(T::read_from_payload(&payload)) }
     }
 
     fn size_hint(&self) -> (usize, Option<usize>) {
@@ -76,7 +77,8 @@ where
 {
     fn next_back(&mut self) -> Option<Self::Item> {
         let payload = self.payload_iter.next_back()?;
-        Some(T::read_from_payload(&payload))
+        // ok, because the iterator has ownership over the payload and no drop
+        unsafe { Some(T::read_from_payload(&payload)) }
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref.rs
index 76ff779be6..0ab6a46377 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref.rs
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+use super::ManagedVecItemPayload;
 use crate::types::ManagedVecItem;
 use core::{borrow::Borrow, fmt::Debug, marker::PhantomData, mem::ManuallyDrop, ops::Deref};
 
@@ -39,9 +40,15 @@ where
     T: ManagedVecItem,
 {
     fn drop(&mut self) {
-        // TODO: improve
+        // the payload is a dummy
+        // it is used because save_to_payload does a great job doing the soft deallocation needed here
+        //
+        // TODO: the saving as payload is not necessary, figure out if it is worth optimizing
+        // by adding a special soft drop method to ManagedVecItem
+        let mut dummy_payload = T::PAYLOAD::new_buffer();
         unsafe {
-            ManuallyDrop::drop(&mut self.item);
+            let inner = ManuallyDrop::take(&mut self.item);
+            inner.save_to_payload(&mut dummy_payload);
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref_mut.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref_mut.rs
index 17df354216..4a53ed8db5 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref_mut.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/managed_vec_ref_mut.rs
@@ -53,13 +53,16 @@ where
     T: ManagedVecItem,
 {
     fn drop(&mut self) {
+        // This drop saves the item back into the p-arent ManagedVec.
+        //
+        // The `set` method also handles soft deallocation
+        // (freeing of the handle, without deallocating the underlying resource).
         let item = unsafe { ManuallyDrop::take(&mut self.item) };
         unsafe {
-            let _ =
-                ManagedRefMut::<M, ManagedVec<M, T>>::wrap_handle(self.managed_vec_handle.clone())
-                    .set(self.item_index, item);
+            let mut parent_ref =
+                ManagedRefMut::<M, ManagedVec<M, T>>::wrap_handle(self.managed_vec_handle.clone());
+            let _ = parent_ref.set(self.item_index, item);
         }
-        // core::mem::forget(item);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/egld_or_esdt_token_payment.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/egld_or_esdt_token_payment.rs
index d3bee04dc7..6e5e80a477 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/egld_or_esdt_token_payment.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/egld_or_esdt_token_payment.rs
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for EgldOrEsdtTokenPayment<M> {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             EgldOrEsdtTokenPayment {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/esdt_token_payment.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/esdt_token_payment.rs
index 44e021c366..4d76a306b3 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/esdt_token_payment.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/esdt_token_payment.rs
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for EsdtTokenPayment<M> {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             EsdtTokenPayment {
diff --git a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/payment.rs b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/payment.rs
index 1a1257e829..a6aad8ad22 100644
--- a/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/payment.rs
+++ b/framework/base/src/types/managed/wrapped/token/payment.rs
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ impl<M: ManagedTypeApi> ManagedVecItem for Payment<M> {
     const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = false;
     type Ref<'a> = Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-    fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+    unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
         let mut index = 0;
         unsafe {
             Payment {
diff --git a/framework/derive/src/managed_vec_item_derive.rs b/framework/derive/src/managed_vec_item_derive.rs
index a3742d09d1..4f7b328bab 100644
--- a/framework/derive/src/managed_vec_item_derive.rs
+++ b/framework/derive/src/managed_vec_item_derive.rs
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ fn enum_derive(data_enum: &syn::DataEnum, ast: &syn::DeriveInput) -> TokenStream
             const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = #skips_reserialization;
             type Ref<'a> = multiversx_sc::types::Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-            fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+            unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
                 let mut index = 0;
 
                 unsafe {
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ fn struct_derive(data_struct: &syn::DataStruct, ast: &syn::DeriveInput) -> Token
             const SKIPS_RESERIALIZATION: bool = #(#skips_reserialization_snippets)&&*;
             type Ref<'a> = multiversx_sc::types::Ref<'a, Self>;
 
-            fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
+            unsafe fn read_from_payload(payload: &Self::PAYLOAD) -> Self {
                 let mut index = 0;
 
                 unsafe {
diff --git a/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_api.rs b/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_api.rs
index 531a54f5a2..d1e5517497 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_api.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_api.rs
@@ -25,7 +25,9 @@ impl VMHooksApiBackend for DebugApiBackend {
         let tx_context_ref = instance.tx_context_ref.clone();
         let vh_context = TxVMHooksContext::new(tx_context_ref, ContractDebugInstanceState);
         let mut dispatcher = VMHooksDispatcher::new(vh_context);
-        f(&mut dispatcher).unwrap_or_else(|err| ContractDebugInstanceState::early_exit_panic(err))
+        let result = f(&mut dispatcher);
+        std::mem::drop(dispatcher);
+        result.unwrap_or_else(|err| ContractDebugInstanceState::early_exit_panic(err))
     }
 
     fn with_vm_hooks_ctx_1<R, F>(handle: Self::HandleType, f: F) -> R
@@ -35,7 +37,9 @@ impl VMHooksApiBackend for DebugApiBackend {
         let tx_context_ref = handle.to_tx_context_ref();
         let vh_context = TxVMHooksContext::new(tx_context_ref, ContractDebugInstanceState);
         let mut dispatcher = VMHooksDispatcher::new(vh_context);
-        f(&mut dispatcher).unwrap_or_else(|err| ContractDebugInstanceState::early_exit_panic(err))
+        let result = f(&mut dispatcher);
+        std::mem::drop(dispatcher);
+        result.unwrap_or_else(|err| ContractDebugInstanceState::early_exit_panic(err))
     }
 
     fn with_vm_hooks_ctx_2<R, F>(handle1: Self::HandleType, handle2: Self::HandleType, f: F) -> R
diff --git a/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_handle_vh.rs b/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_handle_vh.rs
index 086d166d17..7759542fae 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_handle_vh.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/debug_handle_vh.rs
@@ -76,6 +76,7 @@ impl core::fmt::Debug for DebugHandle {
 
 impl HandleConstraints for DebugHandle {
     fn new(handle: multiversx_sc::api::RawHandle) -> Self {
+        println!("new handle {handle}");
         let context = ContractDebugStack::static_peek().tx_context_ref.downgrade();
         DebugHandle::new_with_explicit_context_ref(context, handle)
     }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/single_tx_api.rs b/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/single_tx_api.rs
index 9357f5b094..29789717b0 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/single_tx_api.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/src/api/impl_vh/single_tx_api.rs
@@ -29,8 +29,9 @@ impl VMHooksApiBackend for SingleTxApiBackend {
         SINGLE_TX_API_VH_CELL.with(|cell| {
             let vh_context = cell.lock().unwrap().clone();
             let mut dispatcher = VMHooksDispatcher::new(vh_context);
-            f(&mut dispatcher)
-                .unwrap_or_else(|err| ContractDebugInstanceState::early_exit_panic(err))
+            let result = f(&mut dispatcher);
+            std::mem::drop(dispatcher);
+            result.unwrap_or_else(|err| ContractDebugInstanceState::early_exit_panic(err))
         })
     }
 
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_biguint_test.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_biguint_test.rs
index a60a688c93..ce64e9fe75 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_biguint_test.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_biguint_test.rs
@@ -61,9 +61,10 @@ fn managed_struct_from_bytes_reader() {
     let handle_bytes = s.big_uint.get_handle().to_be_bytes();
     let arr: [u8; 8] = [0xff, 0xff, 0xff, handle_bytes[3], 0x00, 0x01, 0x23, 0x45];
 
-    let struct_from_bytes =
-        <ManagedStructWithBigUint<StaticApi> as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(
-            &arr.into()
-        );
-    assert_eq!(s, struct_from_bytes);
+    <ManagedStructWithBigUint<StaticApi> as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &arr.into(),
+        |struct_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(&s, struct_from_bytes);
+        },
+    );
 }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_decimal_test.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_decimal_test.rs
index 554942bd36..4c2016b41a 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_decimal_test.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_decimal_test.rs
@@ -58,10 +58,11 @@ fn struct_with_decimal_read_write() {
         s.clone(),
         &mut payload,
     );
-    let struct_from_bytes =
+    let struct_from_bytes = unsafe {
         <ManagedStructWithDecimal<StaticApi> as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(
             &payload
-        );
+        )
+    };
     assert_eq!(struct_from_bytes, s);
 
     // check payload
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_1.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_1.rs
index f2f0805cb6..b2eb71bdaa 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_1.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_1.rs
@@ -65,29 +65,34 @@ fn enum_to_bytes_writer_variant_3() {
 #[test]
 fn enum_from_bytes_reader_variant_1() {
     let payload = [0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0];
-    let enum_from_bytes =
-        <EnumWithFields as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(
-            &payload.into(),
-        );
-    assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, EnumWithFields::Variant1(0));
+
+    <EnumWithFields as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &payload.into(),
+        |enum_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, &EnumWithFields::Variant1(0));
+        },
+    );
 }
 
 #[test]
 fn enum_from_bytes_reader_variant_2() {
     let payload = [1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0];
-    let enum_from_bytes =
-        <EnumWithFields as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(
-            &payload.into(),
-        );
-    assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, EnumWithFields::Variant2);
+
+    <EnumWithFields as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &payload.into(),
+        |enum_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, &EnumWithFields::Variant2);
+        },
+    );
 }
 
 #[test]
 fn enum_from_bytes_reader_variant_3() {
     let payload = [2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 4];
-    let enum_from_bytes =
-        <EnumWithFields as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(
-            &payload.into(),
-        );
-    assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, EnumWithFields::Variant3(4));
+    <EnumWithFields as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &payload.into(),
+        |enum_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, &EnumWithFields::Variant3(4));
+        },
+    );
 }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_simple.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_simple.rs
index 2dfdd76c63..f5083ce29c 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_simple.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_enum_simple.rs
@@ -41,7 +41,10 @@ fn enum_to_bytes_writer() {
 
 #[test]
 fn enum_from_bytes_reader() {
-    let enum_from_bytes =
-        <SimpleEnum as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(&[1u8].into());
-    assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, SimpleEnum::Variant2);
+    <SimpleEnum as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &[1u8].into(),
+        |enum_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(enum_from_bytes, &SimpleEnum::Variant2);
+        },
+    );
 }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_esdt_token_payment_test.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_esdt_token_payment_test.rs
index c4c3cb92d8..e0ca8f4279 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_esdt_token_payment_test.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_esdt_token_payment_test.rs
@@ -93,10 +93,10 @@ fn struct_from_bytes_reader() {
         handle3[1], handle3[2], handle3[3], handle4[0], handle4[1], handle4[2], handle4[3],
     ];
 
-    let struct_from_bytes =
-        <ManagedStructWithToken<StaticApi> as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(
-            &arr.into()
-        );
-
-    assert_eq!(s, struct_from_bytes);
+    <ManagedStructWithToken<StaticApi> as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &arr.into(),
+        |struct_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(&s, struct_from_bytes);
+        },
+    );
 }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_1_test.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_1_test.rs
index 39642b0774..88204e1dde 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_1_test.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_1_test.rs
@@ -89,7 +89,10 @@ fn struct_1_from_bytes_reader() {
         0x00,
     ];
 
-    let struct_from_bytes =
-        <Struct1 as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(&arr.into());
-    assert_eq!(s, struct_from_bytes);
+    <Struct1 as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &arr.into(),
+        |struct_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(&s, struct_from_bytes);
+        },
+    );
 }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_2_test.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_2_test.rs
index 5d0542a24d..f6728c7874 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_2_test.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/derive_managed_vec_item_struct_2_test.rs
@@ -79,7 +79,10 @@ fn struct_2_from_bytes_reader() {
         /* arr  */ 0x61, 0x11, 0x62, 0x22,
     ];
 
-    let struct_from_bytes =
-        <Struct2 as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::read_from_payload(&payload.into());
-    assert_eq!(expected_struct, struct_from_bytes);
+    <Struct2 as multiversx_sc::types::ManagedVecItem>::temp_decode(
+        &payload.into(),
+        |struct_from_bytes| {
+            assert_eq!(&expected_struct, struct_from_bytes);
+        },
+    );
 }
diff --git a/framework/scenario/tests/managed_ref_test.rs b/framework/scenario/tests/managed_ref_test.rs
index 0b296f43a4..df6112c5c1 100644
--- a/framework/scenario/tests/managed_ref_test.rs
+++ b/framework/scenario/tests/managed_ref_test.rs
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 use core::fmt::Debug;
 use multiversx_sc::{
-    api::ManagedTypeApi,
+    api::{ManagedTypeApi, use_raw_handle},
     types::{
         BigInt, BigUint, EsdtTokenIdentifier, ManagedAddress, ManagedBuffer, ManagedByteArray,
-        ManagedRef, ManagedType,
+        ManagedRef, ManagedRefMut, ManagedType,
     },
 };
 use multiversx_sc_scenario::api::StaticApi;
@@ -56,3 +56,25 @@ fn test_managed_ref_eq() {
         BigUint::<StaticApi>::from(2u32).as_ref()
     );
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn test_managed_ref_no_drop() {
+    const INVALID_HANDLE: i32 = 1000;
+    unsafe {
+        let _r = ManagedRef::<'static, StaticApi, ManagedBuffer<StaticApi>>::wrap_handle(
+            use_raw_handle(INVALID_HANDLE),
+        );
+    }
+
+    unsafe {
+        let mut r = ManagedRefMut::<'static, StaticApi, ManagedBuffer<StaticApi>>::wrap_handle(
+            use_raw_handle(INVALID_HANDLE),
+        );
+        r.overwrite(b"abc");
+    }
+
+    unsafe {
+        let r = ManagedBuffer::<StaticApi>::from_handle(use_raw_handle(INVALID_HANDLE));
+        assert_eq!(r.to_vec(), b"abc");
+    }
+}