BinMate — Privacy Policy

BinMate ("BinMate," "we," "us," or "our") operates the BinMate website at binmate.ca and the related bin-rolling service (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we use and share it, and the choices and rights you have. It applies to Customers, to people who apply to become BinMates, and to visitors to our website.

We are committed to handling personal information in accordance with PIPEDA and BC PIPA.

1. Information We Collect

Account information

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Password (stored in hashed form) or, if you sign in with Google, your Google account identifier and basic profile information (name and email) that Google provides

Property and service information

• Service address and postal code
• Bin storage location and the bin-storage-to-curb distance used for pricing
• Gate codes, access instructions, and special service notes you provide
• Your selected collection day and the bin types associated with your property

Payment information

Payments are processed by Stripe. We receive limited billing details and transaction records (such as the result of a charge and the last digits/brand of your card). We do not store your full payment card number; Stripe collects and stores card data under its own privacy and security practices.

Service photos

"Before" and "after" photos of your bins and their placement, taken by BinMates to verify that service was performed. These are stored as part of your service record and are visible to you and to BinMate administrators.

Communications and support

Records of your communications with us, including support requests and the emails we send you (such as verification, welcome, trial-reminder, and service-completion messages).

BinMate applicant information (if you apply to become a BinMate)

Name, email, phone, city, date of birth, vehicle type, availability, and the information needed to run identity and background checks through a third-party provider.

Technical and usage information

Device and log information, and information collected through cookies and similar technologies as described in Section 6.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect information:

• Directly from you when you sign up, complete onboarding, book a service, contact support, or apply to become a BinMate;
• From Google when you choose to sign in with Google; and
• Automatically through cookies and similar technologies when you use our website and app.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, schedule, and perform the Service;
• Match you with a local BinMate and enable them to perform your service;
• Process payments, manage your subscription and trial, and prevent duplicate or fraudulent transactions;
• Send service-related communications (verification, welcome, trial reminders, service-completion notices, and support replies);
• Verify that services were performed and resolve disputes;
• Vet BinMate applicants through identity and background checks;
• Maintain the security and integrity of the Service;
• Improve and develop the Service; and
• Comply with our legal obligations.

4. How We Share Your Information

We share personal information only as needed to operate the Service:

• With BinMates. To perform your service, the assigned BinMate receives the information necessary to do so, which includes your service address, bin storage location, access instructions and gate codes, selected collection day, bin types, and any special notes. BinMates are independent contractors who are vetted by us and are expected to use this information only to perform your service.
• With Stripe, to process payments.
• With Google, when you use Google sign-in and for map and location functionality.
• With our hosting and infrastructure providers, who store and process data on our behalf to run the Service (including our application and database platform and our email-delivery provider).
• With our background-check provider, for BinMate applicants only, to verify identity and eligibility.
• For legal reasons, when we believe disclosure is required by law or legal process, or is necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of BinMate, our users, or others.

We do not sell your personal information.

5. Storage, Location, and Retention

Personal information is stored using our infrastructure and service providers. Some of these providers (for example, our payment, hosting, and email providers) may store or process data outside of Canada, including in the United States. Where information is handled outside Canada, it may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is stored, including lawful access requests by authorities in that jurisdiction.

We retain personal information for as long as your account is active and as long as needed to provide the Service, comply with our legal and tax obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against loss, theft, and unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember your preferences, secure the Service, and understand how the Service is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling some cookies may affect how the Service works.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you;
• Correct information that is inaccurate or incomplete;
• Withdraw consent to our collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information (which may limit or end our ability to provide the Service); and
• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and operational retention requirements.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@binmate.ca. We may need to verify your identity before acting on your request.

8. Consent

By using the Service, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Policy. Where required by law, we will obtain your express consent. You may withdraw consent at any time as described in Section 7, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.

9. Children's Privacy

The Service is intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us so we can address it.

10. Third-Party Links

The Service may link to third-party websites we do not control, such as your municipality's collection-schedule page. This Policy does not apply to those sites, and we encourage you to review their privacy practices.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Your continued use of the Service after an update takes effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact and Complaints

If you have questions or concerns about this Policy or our handling of your personal information, contact us at support@binmate.ca.