Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Trash Dash ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

By using Trash Dash, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our app.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you create an account, we collect:

Name (first and last)
Email address
Profile photo (optional)
Location information (zip code or GPS coordinates)
Category preferences for items you're interested in

2.2 Location Data

Trash Dash collects location data to enable nearby item notifications and pickup reminders, even when the app is closed or not in use.

Foreground Location: Used to display nearby items on the map and show your approximate location to other users when you are actively using the app.
Background Location: Trash Dash collects location data to enable pickup reminders when you're approaching an item you're on the way for, even when the app is closed or not in use. Background tracking is only active when you have claimed an item and stops automatically when you confirm pickup or unclaim the item.
Saved Location: If you provide a zip code, we store this for showing relevant nearby items in your area.

Your location is never shared with other users without your permission. You can control location permissions through your device settings at any time.

2.3 Content You Create

When you use our services, we collect:

Item listings (photos, descriptions, categories, locations)
Messages sent through our in-app chat
Reports and feedback you submit
Thank you messages and interactions with other users

2.4 Automatically Collected Information

Device information (model, operating system, unique identifiers)
App usage data (features used, crash reports, performance metrics)
Push notification tokens (to send you notifications)
IP address and approximate location from IP

2.5 Camera and Photo Library Access

We request access to your camera and photo library only when you choose to:

Take photos of items you want to post
Upload photos from your device gallery
Set or change your profile picture

Photos are only accessed when you explicitly select them. We do not access your camera or photos at any other time.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide, operate, and maintain the Trash Dash app
Create and manage your account
Display items available for pickup near your location
Send proximity notifications when you're near claimed items
Enable communication between users through our chat feature
Process item claims, pickups, and handoffs
Award badges and track community achievements
Send notifications about messages, item interest, and app updates
Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms
Respond to your support requests and inquiries
Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Other Users

When you use TrashDash, certain information is visible to other users:

Your name and profile photo
Items you post (including photos, descriptions, and general location)
Your equipped badge
Your approximate location when claiming items (to enable pickups)
Messages you send in chat conversations

We never share your exact home address, email, or phone number with other users.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, cloud storage, push notifications, and analytics
Google Maps: Map display and geocoding services
Google Sign-In: Optional authentication method

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use it for the services they provide to us.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
Governmental requests
Protection of our rights, property, or safety
Protection of users or the public from harm or illegal activities

4.4 Business Transfers

If TrashDash is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you of any such change and the choices you may have regarding your information.

5. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information:

Data is stored securely using Firebase/Google Cloud infrastructure with industry-standard encryption
All data transmission is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
Authentication uses Firebase Authentication with secure token management
Access to user data is restricted and logged
We regularly review and update our security practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

Account data: Retained until you delete your account
Item listings: Retained for 90 days after the item is marked as picked up or deleted
Chat messages: Retained for 90 days after the last message
Location data: Current location is updated in real-time; historical location data is not stored
Notification tokens: Cleared when you log out or uninstall the app

After these periods, data is automatically deleted or anonymized.

7. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your personal information through the Profile screen in the app. This includes:

Name and profile photo
Location/zip code preferences
Category interests
Equipped badge

7.2 Delete Your Account

You may delete your account at any time through the app settings. When you delete your account:

Your profile and personal information will be permanently deleted
Your active item listings will be removed
Your messages will be deleted from conversations
You will no longer receive notifications

Some information may be retained in backup systems for up to 30 days and in logs for security purposes.

7.3 Location Permissions

You can control location access through your device settings:

Disable location entirely (note: this will limit core app functionality)
Allow only while using the app
Revoke background location permission (you won't receive proximity alerts)

You can also change your saved location or use GPS through the app.

7.4 Notification Settings

You can control notifications through:

In-app notification preferences in Settings
Device notification settings

Disabling notifications may impact your ability to receive important updates about claimed items and messages.

7.5 Marketing Communications

We do not send marketing emails. All communications are transactional and related to your use of the app (messages, item claims, proximity alerts).

8. Children's Privacy

Trash Dash is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information from our systems.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws different from your jurisdiction.

We use Firebase/Google Cloud services, which may store data in various locations globally. By using Trash Dash, you consent to the transfer of your information to these locations.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

10. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
Right to request deletion of your personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your information)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 13.

11. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Right to access your personal data
Right to rectification of inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to withdraw consent

Our legal basis for processing your data includes:

Consent: For location tracking and notifications
Contract: To provide the services you request
Legitimate interests: To improve our services and prevent fraud

To exercise these rights or lodge a complaint with your data protection authority, contact us at the address in Section 13.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
Updating the "Last Updated" date
Sending you a notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of Trash Dash after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@mytrashdash.net

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.