TDS partnership launches compostable tray pilot program at Texas elementary school

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) has announced the launch of a compostable tray pilot program at Hernandez Elementary School in San Marcos, Texas, in partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep San Marcos Beautiful (KSMB).

The initiative is supported by a $5,000 Eco Warrior Grant supplied by TDS’ Eco Academy program. TDS Eco Academy is designed to educate K-12 students about trash, recycling and composting options to minimize waste in central Texas schools. Eco Academy awarded its first Eco Warrior Grant to KSMB in September 2025.

The pilot program replaces all Styrofoam trays in the school’s cafeteria with trays that can be composted after use. According to TDS, this change will significantly reduce the amount of cafeteria waste being sent to the landfill, as the previous trays were made of polystyrene and cannot be recycled or composted.

The program is designed to replace traditional single-use materials and model sustainable practices across all schools. The TDS Eco Academy team was present during the initiative launch to support implementation and provide hands-on waste education for students and staff. 

“As part of this launch, our Eco Academy team is excited to support students and staff as they adopt more sustainable practices,” says Greg Behl, sustainability and diversion coordinator at TDS. “This compostable tray pilot shows what’s possible when schools are equipped with the right tools, education and community partnerships.”

The Hernandez Elementary pilot is one of several initiatives supported by TDS Eco Academy during the 2025–2026 school year. In addition to the Eco Warrior Grant program, TDS Eco Academy launched the Green Leaders Network, a collaborative platform connecting educators and advocates advancing environmental education throughout the region.

“TDS’ Eco Academy has been essential to the successful rollout of this compostable tray pilot program,” says Cherise Hanf, assistant principal at Hernandez Elementary School. “By switching from Styrofoam trays to compostable trays, we’re going to have less trash, and we are showing the students that we’re taking initiative, and hopefully, that will guide them in the future to take sustainable initiatives.”