Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Welcome to WasteNot (the “App”), a mobile application designed to help users reduce food waste by scanning food items, tracking expiration dates, generating AI-powered recipes from leftovers, creating shopping lists, and optionally sharing or donating excess food.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the WasteNot mobile application (iOS and Android). Please read it carefully. By downloading, installing, or using the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

a. Information You Provide Directly

  • Account information: When you sign in (optionally via Google or anonymously), we may collect your name, email address (if provided), and profile picture.
  • User-generated content: Photos of food items you scan/upload, notes on items (quantity, expiration dates), donated items descriptions, and messages in the donate/share feature.
  • Feedback/support: Information you provide when contacting us.

b. Information Collected Automatically

  • Device information: Device type, OS version, unique device identifiers, IP address, mobile carrier, and app version.
  • Usage data: How you interact with the App (features used, time spent, crash logs, performance metrics).
  • Camera and photos: We access your camera and photo library (with your permission) only to scan/recognize food items for tracking and recipe suggestions.
  • Location data: Approximate or precise location (with your explicit consent) only if you use the donate/share feature to find nearby users or charities. You can disable this at any time.
  • Analytics: Via Firebase Analytics (Google), we collect anonymized usage data to improve the App.

c. Third-Party Services

  • Google Gemini API: We send anonymized lists of food items/ingredients to generate recipes. No personal identifiers are sent with these requests.
  • Firebase (Google): Authentication, data storage (your items/recipes), analytics, crash reporting.
  • Google AdMob: If you use the free version, we show ads. AdMob may collect device identifiers and usage data for personalized advertising.
  • RevenueCat: Handles in-app subscriptions/purchases; collects limited billing-related data (processed by Apple/Google).
  • App stores (Apple/Google): Collect payment and basic install data independently.

2. How We Use Your Information

  • To provide core features: Scanning, tracking, recipe generation, shopping lists, and donate/share functionality.
  • To personalize: Suggest better recipes based on your saved items (processed locally or via anonymized AI calls).
  • To improve the App: Analyze usage patterns, fix bugs, develop new features.
  • To communicate: Respond to support requests or send non-promotional notifications (e.g., expiring item reminders).
  • For advertising: Show relevant ads in the free version (via AdMob).
  • To comply with law: Respond to legal requests, protect rights/safety.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share:

  • With service providers: Google (Firebase/Gemini/AdMob), RevenueCat, cloud storage — only as needed and under strict contracts.
  • In donate/share feature: Your donated item details (description, photo, approximate location) are visible to nearby users who opt in. You control what you post.
  • For legal reasons: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect rights/safety.
  • In business transfer: If we sell/merge the App, your data may transfer with it (with notice where required).

4. Data Retention

We keep your data only as long as needed:

  • Account/items/recipes: Until you delete your account or data.
  • Analytics/usage: Anonymized data kept up to 26 months (Firebase default).
  • Logs/crashes: Up to 90 days or as required for debugging.

You can request deletion at any time (see Section 7).

5. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location:

  • GDPR/UK GDPR (Europe/UK): Access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, data portability, withdraw consent.
  • CCPA/CPRA (California): Know, delete, opt-out of sale/sharing (we do not sell data), non-discrimination.
  • Other regions: Similar rights where applicable (e.g., Canada PIPEDA, Australia Privacy Act).

To exercise rights, email [your-email@example.com]. We respond within 30–45 days (or as required by law).

6. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn we have, we delete it promptly.

7. Data Security

We use reasonable measures (encryption in transit/rest, access controls) to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure. You use the App at your own risk.

8. International Transfers

Your data may be processed in the United States or other countries (e.g., Google servers). We rely on standard contractual clauses or other safeguards for transfers outside your region.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy. We will post changes here and notify you in-App for material changes. Continued use after changes means acceptance.

10. Contact Us

For questions or to exercise rights:

Email: codecrackers28@gmail.com
Website: https://wastenot.site

Thank you for using WasteNot. We’re committed to your privacy and helping reduce food waste together.