Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Smart Waste Management System (SWMS) Kathmandu is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services.

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1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Full name, email address, phone number, password
• Address Information: Residential address, ward number, municipality
• Identity Documents: Citizenship or other identification documents (for verification purposes)
• Payment Information: Transaction details through Khalti/eSewa (we do not store card details)

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform
• Location Data: GPS coordinates (with your consent) for service optimization
• Log Data: IP address, access times, error logs

1.3 IoT and Sensor Data

• Smart dustbin fill levels and usage patterns
• Collection vehicle tracking data
• Environmental sensor readings (where applicable)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Process waste collection requests, schedule pickups, and manage your account
• Communication: Send service updates, schedule notifications, and respond to inquiries
• Verification: Verify user identity and prevent fraudulent accounts
• Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve our services and user experience
• Route Optimization: Use location data to optimize collection routes and reduce environmental impact
• Billing: Process payments and maintain payment records
• Compliance: Meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Safety: Protect the security of our users and platform

3. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With waste collection personnel who need access to pickup locations and schedules
• Payment Processors: With Khalti/eSewa for payment processing
• Government Authorities: When required by law or to comply with municipal regulations
• Analytics Partners: Aggregated, anonymized data for service improvement
• Emergency Services: In case of emergencies involving hazardous waste

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
• Secure password hashing using industry-standard algorithms
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel only
• Secure cloud infrastructure with Supabase
• Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures

5. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained as long as your account is active
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Service Logs: Retained for 1 year for operational purposes
• Deleted Accounts: Personal data is removed within 30 days of account deletion, except where retention is required by law

6. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information through your profile settings
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for optional data processing
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with relevant data protection authorities

To exercise these rights, contact us at swmsktm@gmail.com

7. Location Data

• We collect location data to provide location-based services such as finding nearby dustbins and scheduling pickups.
• Location permissions can be managed through your device settings.
• Collection vehicle tracking is used solely for service optimization and user transparency.

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic platform functionality and authentication
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how users interact with our platform
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for users under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed on servers located outside Nepal. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international data transfers, including standard contractual clauses and encryption.

11. Changes to This 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 on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification for significant changes

12. Contact Us

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

• Email: swmsktm@gmail.com
• Phone: +977 9766387356
• Address: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office, Kathmandu, Nepal

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