Why does my Heroku app say my app is using Postgresql?

Since Heroku is removing its free tier, I'm currently in the process of upgrading. However it says that my web app will be turned into an eco dyno, and my postgresql will be switched to "mini". I do not use any database in my app, and am not sure why it shows up. Will Heroku shut down my app if I don't pay an additional $5 a month for the database or can I just pay for the eco dyno?

I tried to look at the Heroku knowledge articles and stack overflow but could not find the specific answer I'm looking for.

You may have a Postgres instance that was automatically provisioned:

Before you provision Heroku Postgres, confirm that it isn't already provisioned for your app. Heroku automatically provisions Postgres for apps that include certain libraries, such as the pg Ruby gem.

I believe the psycopg2 Python module also triggers automatic provisioning.

I suggest you inspect your existing database to see whether it contains any data. You can connect with the database client of your choice via your app's DATABASE_URL environment variable, but the easiest method might be to use Heroku Dataclips:

Heroku Dataclips enable you to create SQL queries for your Heroku Postgres databases and share the results with colleagues, third-party tools, and the public. Recipients of a dataclip can view the data in their browser and also download it in JSON and CSV formats.

There, you can use the schema explorer and / or run queries against your database.

If you confirm that your database is not being used, feel free to destroy it. You are not required to use Heroku Postgres with your app.

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