Privacy first is part of the program design.

What we collect

When you contact the program, claim a dumpster site, volunteer, sponsor, donate or request city information, we may collect the information you submit such as your name, organization, email, phone number, property information, photos, messages and participation preferences.

Property and map privacy

Property owner information is private by default. Before an owner opts in, public activity is shown only at the neighborhood or zone level. An exact business location, owner name or site photo is not published merely because a site was identified or claimed.

If an owner chooses public recognition, approved site information may appear on the participating-sites map and related impact pages. The owner can choose what public recognition is appropriate for the program workflow.

How we use information

We use information to operate Adopt-A-Dumpster™, respond to inquiries, verify sites, coordinate inspections and sponsorships, maintain program records, measure participation, issue impact documentation and improve the program.

Service providers

The program may use service providers for customer relationship management, mapping, analytics, payment processing, email delivery, hosting and other operational functions. Those providers receive information only as needed to perform the services we use.

Donor and sponsor information

Payment information is handled by the payment processor used for the transaction. Sponsor recognition is separate from private payment information. Public sponsor recognition is limited to the information approved for that purpose.

Data sharing

We do not sell personal information to advertisers. Program records may be shared with service providers, professional advisers or public agencies when necessary for the requested program activity, when an owner has authorized the sharing, or when required by law.

Photos and field records

Photos submitted through a claim or inspection are used for program review and documentation. They are not made public unless the applicable owner has opted in to public use.

Field mapping, location and young participants

Community field submissions through Start Mapping are for adults age 18 or older. The form asks contributors to confirm this; a checkbox is not independent identity or age verification. Younger students may participate in approved, supervised educational activities, but should not submit the adult field report or be identified in submitted photographs.

Field photographs and device GPS coordinates are collected for private review and duplicate screening. Choosing “No, keep it private” is valid and is the default general-area sharing choice. A submitted report does not automatically become a verified inspection, an individually identified public location or a publicly shared photo. Publishing an exact site pin or identifiable site image requires separate affirmative site-level authorization and staff review.

Record retention reviews

As of October 25, 2026, SSA reviews rejected or QA field records after 90 days, unconverted inquiries after 12 months, verified field evidence after 36 months, and financial or signed records against a seven-year baseline. These are review intervals, not automatic deletion dates. Longer legal, grant or contractual retention requirements take precedence.

Review, correction and deletion requests

To ask about a submitted record, request a correction, withdraw optional public recognition or request review of deletion of eligible information, email info@securestructure.org. We may need to confirm that the requester is authorized before changing a record. Some records may need to be retained for legitimate program administration or applicable legal obligations. Do not send identity documents, student records, or private photographs in the initial email.

Optional text messages and SMS privacy

If you choose to opt in, Secure Structure Alliance Inc. may send text messages about your Adopt-A-Dumpster submission and participation or, under a separate optional marketing consent, program news, educational campaigns, volunteer opportunities, community events, sponsorships and fundraising. These choices are separate and are not required to submit a form or participate. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. You can also contact info@securestructure.org about your messaging preferences.

Phone numbers and SMS consent records are used to administer the messages you have chosen and may be processed by messaging service providers acting on our behalf for delivery and compliance. SMS opt-in information and consent are not shared with third parties for their independent marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information won’t be shared with any third parties.

Contact

Questions about this policy can be sent to info@securestructure.org.