---
title: materials.remove | Doing Work API
description: Remove a recorded material (recorded in error or returned). It stays in the history with who removed it and why, and no longer counts. A field worker remov
url: https://doingwork.work/docs/reference/materials-remove/
---

# materials.remove

Remove a recorded material (recorded in error or returned). It stays in the history with who removed it and why, and no longer counts. A field worker removes only materials they entered.

|  |  |
|---|---|
| Who | Agents can call this |
| REST | `POST /v1/materials/remove` |
| MCP tool | `materials_remove` |
| Writes | yes, send an Idempotency-Key |
| Area | [Field work (checklists, forms, time, notes, change orders, subcontractors)](https://doingwork.work/docs/reference/#field-work-checklists-forms-time-notes-change-orders-subcontractors) |

## When to use it

Record what went into a job: materials.add from the price book (pricebook_item_id; its name, unit, price, cost and taxable are copied as they are today) or typed in, optionally on one visit. Afterwards only the quantity, visit and notes change (materials.update); for anything else remove it (materials.remove keeps it in history with who and why) and add it again.

## What to tell the owner

Say what you did in plain words and what happens next.

## Input

| Field | Type | Required |
|---|---|---|
| `material_id` | string (uuid) | yes |
| `reason` | string | no |

## Example

```http
POST https://doingwork.work/v1/materials/remove
content-type: application/json
Idempotency-Key: 3f1c...

{
  "material_id": "00000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000000"
}
```

## Output

JSON. The response shape isn't published yet; read the fields you need and ignore the rest. Errors are `{code, message, status}`.

## Errors

| Code | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| `invalid_input`, `invalid_token`, `rate_limited` |  | Can happen on any call. See [errors](https://doingwork.work/docs/errors/). |