Cookie Policy

2. How we use cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

• Authentication: to identify you when you log in and maintain your session
• Security: to protect against fraudulent activity and support security features
• Preferences: to remember your choices and settings (such as language or theme)
• Analytics: to understand how visitors interact with our website so we can improve it

3. Types of cookies we use

3.1 Essential cookies (strictly necessary)

These cookies are required for the basic functioning of our website. Without them, features like logging in, navigating between pages, and accessing secure areas would not work. These cookies cannot be disabled.

Legal basis: Legitimate interest — necessary for the service to function (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)).

3.2 Functional cookies

These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your preferred language, theme, or recently viewed locations) and provide enhanced features. If you disable these, some personalised features may not work properly.

Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).

3.3 Analytics cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website — for example, which pages are visited most often and whether users encounter errors. All data is aggregated and anonymised. We use Google Analytics 4 for this purpose.

Legal basis: Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)).

4. Complete cookie list

Below is a complete list of the cookies used on bottlechallenge.org:

4.1 Essential cookies

4.2 Functional cookies

4.3 Analytics cookies

5. Third-party cookies

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) provided by Google LLC to analyse website traffic. GA4 collects data such as pages visited, session duration, and device type. The data is processed in aggregated form and we have IP anonymisation enabled.

Google may transfer data outside the EU/EEA. Google has committed to adequate safeguards under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.

5.2 WhyDonate

On our "Help Us Grow" page, we use the WhyDonate widget to process donations. When you interact with the donation form, WhyDonate may set its own cookies to process your payment securely. These cookies are governed by WhyDonate's Privacy Policy.

5.3 Google Maps

We use Google Maps to display refill station locations on our map. Google Maps may use cookies to provide map functionality. For details, see Google's Privacy Policy.

6. Managing your cookies

6.1 Our cookie consent tool

When you first visit our website, you are presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept all cookies, accept only essential cookies, or customise your preferences. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the button below:

6.2 Browser settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually find these in the "Preferences" or "Settings" menu of your browser. Below are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Please note that disabling all cookies may affect the functionality of our website. Essential cookies are necessary for the site to operate correctly.

6.3 Google Analytics opt-out

You can also opt out of Google Analytics specifically by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

7. Do Not Track signals

We respect "Do Not Track" (DNT) browser signals. When we detect a DNT signal, we treat it as a refusal of non-essential cookies and do not load analytics scripts unless you have explicitly consented.

Similarly, we respect the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal as an opt-out of non-essential data processing.

8. International considerations

8.1 European Union & UK (GDPR / ePrivacy)

Under the EU ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) and GDPR, non-essential cookies require your prior consent before being set. We obtain this consent through our cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time.

8.2 California (CCPA/CPRA)

We do not sell personal information or use it for cross-context behavioural advertising. California residents can opt out of analytics cookies through our consent tool.

8.3 Brazil (LGPD)

Under the LGPD, we process cookie data based on consent or legitimate interest. You can exercise your data rights as described in our Privacy Policy.

8.4 Other jurisdictions

We aim to comply with cookie and data protection laws in all jurisdictions where our users are located. If your local law provides additional rights, we will honour them.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Re-ask for your consent if the types of cookies we use change significantly
• Notify you via our website if required by law

10. Contact us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us: