A properly maintained SCOBY can have an indefinite lifespan, making it a sustainable option for regular Kombucha brewing. With each brewing cycle, the SCOBY will grow a new layer, the "baby" SCOBY, which can be segregated and utilized for another batch or shared. If any mold, discoloration, or off-putting odors are detected, it's recommended to discard your SCOBY and start afresh.