This Privacy Policy explains how GomiGuide (“we”, “us”, or “the App”) handles information when you use the GomiGuide iOS application. GomiGuide helps residents of Tokyo’s 23 special wards look up garbage collection schedules and disposal guidance.
1. Who we are
GomiGuide is an independent consumer app. It is not an official government or municipal service. For privacy questions, contact us at cagri.gider.business@gmail.com.
2. Information we collect
Depending on how you use the App, we may process:
- Addresses and preferences you enter — such as selected wards, towns/chōme, reminder settings, and language preference. This data is stored on your device (SwiftData) so the App works offline.
- Account identifiers — on first launch the App may create an anonymous Firebase Authentication ID. If you choose “Sign in with Apple”, Apple may provide a user identifier and, if you allow it, an email address (or a private relay address).
- Synced backup data — if you sign in, your addresses and preferences may be stored in Firebase Firestore under your user ID so you can restore them on another device.
- Push notification tokens — if you enable notifications, Apple/Firebase may process a device token so we can send rare broadcast announcements (for example, temporary collection changes). Routine “trash day” reminders are scheduled locally on your device.
- Feedback you send — if you email us, we receive the content of your message and any technical details you include (such as app version or iOS version).
- Privacy-light product analytics — coarse, anonymous event counts such as completing onboarding, adding an address, performing a search (without the search text), toggling reminders, or opening a main tab. We do not log address labels, search queries, emails, or advertising identifiers, and we do not use analytics for ads or cross-app tracking.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use advertising SDKs, and we do not track you across other companies’ apps or websites for advertising.
3. How we use information
We use the information above to:
- Show garbage schedules and item guidance for your selected address
- Schedule local reminders you request
- Optionally back up and restore your preferences across devices
- Send occasional service announcements when you opt into push notifications
- Respond to feedback and improve the App
- Understand which features are used (privacy-light analytics only)
4. Third-party services
We use the following providers to operate the App:
- Apple — App Store distribution, Sign in with Apple, and on-device notification delivery.
- Google Firebase — Authentication, Firestore (optional preference backup), Firebase Cloud Messaging for rare broadcast pushes, Crashlytics for crash reports, and Firebase Analytics for privacy-light product usage events (no ad personalization). Firebase processing is subject to Google’s privacy terms.
Municipal garbage data shown in the App is compiled from publicly available official sources and hosted as static files. That schedule data is not personal data about you.
5. Data retention
Data stored on your device remains until you delete it in the App or remove the App. If you use cloud backup, associated Firestore data is retained while your account exists. To delete your account and associated data, follow Delete your account and data (in-app: Settings → Delete Account & Data, or email cagri.gider.business@gmail.com).
6. Your choices
- You can use the App without creating a named account (anonymous use).
- Sign in with Apple is optional.
- You can disable notifications in iOS Settings or in the App.
- You can delete addresses and preferences you added.
- You can request deletion of cloud-backed account data — see Delete your account and data.
7. Children’s privacy
GomiGuide is intended for general audiences and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
8. International users & Japan APPI
The App is designed primarily for people living in Japan. If you use cloud backup features, your account data may be processed by Firebase infrastructure that can be located outside Japan. We aim to handle personal data carefully and only as needed to provide the App’s features, consistent with applicable privacy expectations including Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) where it applies.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the App after an update means you accept the revised policy.
10. Contact
Questions about privacy: cagri.gider.business@gmail.com