Texas Disposal Systems announced that Eco Academy, its educational waste minimization program for K-12 students, was recognized as a 2025 Business Leader by the Center for Green Schools. 鈥淭hrough its Eco Academy program, Texas Disposal Systems provides a wonderful example of a local business making a big impact on its community,鈥� said Anisa Heming, Director at the Center for Green Schools. 鈥淭he program prioritizes community involvement, with students and families engaging in composting, recycling and diversion practices, all of which create healthier communities.鈥�
Eco Academy is Texas Disposal Systems’ educational program designed to minimize waste in Central Texas schools by teaching K-12 students about trash, recycling and composting options on their campuses. The program provides training and signage for staff and students to make recycling fun. Each school鈥檚 total tonnage diverted from landfills is documented and made available on the Eco Academy website via a personalized login. Participants can see how their actions reduce waste and enjoy healthy competitions between classrooms and other schools.
鈥淓co Academy鈥檚 environmental responsibility training has been making a positive impact on the Central Texas Community for over a decade,鈥� said Rick Fraumann, Vice President of Sales and Growth at Texas Disposal Systems.
Eco Academy is poised for additional growth in 2025. The program is expanding its outreach by:
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Creating a Waste Audit Award for Top Performing Schools, recognizing campuses with the highest waste diversion rates within their district.
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Introducing the Eco Warrior Grant in partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful. This grant will provide funding to assist environmental education projects, awarding up to $5,000 to elementary schools within TDS-serviced ISDs.
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Measuring and tracking each school鈥檚 diversion results
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Leading a Mulch Fundraiser Program with TDS-affiliated company, Garden-Ville. This fundraiser enables schools to raise funds by selling a variety of mulches, providing a meaningful way for students to engage their communities.
鈥淚n addition to providing composting and recycling services that keep our waste out of the landfill, TDS offers real-world learning opportunities for students,鈥� said Darien G. Clary, MPH, Sustainability Director at Austin Independent School District. 鈥淭hrough data, zero waste training, and TEKS-aligned lesson plans, TDS gives our students positive experiences that allow them to make meaningful impacts in their communities.鈥�
The TDS Eco Academy program currently works with 13 independent school districts, 290 campuses, and over 200,000 students across Central Texas.