diff --git a/packages/loader/container-loader/src/container.ts b/packages/loader/container-loader/src/container.ts
index 48da727e150e..ccd5dfd197bf 100644
--- a/packages/loader/container-loader/src/container.ts
+++ b/packages/loader/container-loader/src/container.ts
@@ -1158,6 +1158,9 @@ export class Container
 
 				this.storageAdapter.dispose();
 
+				// Dispose serialized state manager to clean up snapshot refresh timer
+				this.serializedStateManager.dispose();
+
 				// Notify storage about critical errors. They may be due to disconnect between client & server knowledge
 				// about file, like file being overwritten in storage, but client having stale local cache.
 				// Driver need to ensure all caches are cleared on critical errors
diff --git a/packages/loader/container-loader/src/serializedStateManager.ts b/packages/loader/container-loader/src/serializedStateManager.ts
index 0f75491e04a7..1e25339d0855 100644
--- a/packages/loader/container-loader/src/serializedStateManager.ts
+++ b/packages/loader/container-loader/src/serializedStateManager.ts
@@ -474,6 +474,14 @@ export class SerializedStateManager {
 			},
 		);
 	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Dispose of the SerializedStateManager, cleaning up any active timers.
+	 * This prevents Node.js processes from hanging due to the refresh timer.
+	 */
+	public dispose(): void {
+		this.refreshTimer.clear();
+	}
 }
 
 /**