Check out our cover story video

Representatives of Texas Disposal Systems, Inc. (left to right): Kalynn Didion, Frank Middleton, Tom Mistler, Janice Brewster Martinez, Kevin Gomez and Jose Macedo. These representatives are part of the TDS team that work together to meet environmental goals, deliver educational programs, assist in philanthropic endeavors and support local communities.

A major focus of Texas Disposal Systems, Inc.’s strategic mission is to divert materials away from the landfill to onsite recycling and composting facilities.

In 1977, brothers Bob and Jim Gregory founded Texas Disposal Systems, Inc. (TDS) with one customer, one truck and plenty of determination. Building on a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental preservation, the Gregory family created a collection of businesses that has become one of the largest independently owned solid waste collection and disposal companies in Central Texas.

TDS operates the TDS Landfill, a Materials Recovery Facility, five transfer stations and several large-scale composting operations. Additionally, TDS owns TDS Metals, Texas Organic Products and Garden-Ville.

“The model developed by the Gregory brothers is one of continuous evolution and innovation with a strong sense of environmental stewardship,” confirms Tom Mistler, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for TDS. “It’s a focus that’s been demonstrated in some unique and powerful ways over the last four decades.”

Having more than 1,000 employees, TDS has facilities in Austin, San Antonio, Georgetown, San Angelo, Alpine, Weimar and Sealy, and a range of products and services that provides support for the state of Texas and other states throughout the country.

With leadership from the Gregory brothers, the TDS team strives to stay a step ahead, by continuing to enhance company initiatives, such as integrated environmentally responsible recycling and waste diversion solutions, regional waste-related education programs and philanthropic endeavors as well as disaster relief support for those who need it. TDS is even home to the Exotic Wildlife Ranch, interestingly enough, where animals roam peacefully just yards from the landfill.

And according to Mistler, they’re just getting started.

Rethinking Waste

There is no other company like TDS when it comes to recycling and repurposing items. From diverting materials out of the landfill to large-scale, onsite composting and recycling facilities, TDS always seeks to find ways to give new life to discarded materials.

On average, TDS diverts more than 324,000 tons of material away from the landfill annually through its recycling and composting efforts.

At the heart of TDS’ recycling efforts is the Materials Recovery Facility, spanning more than 100,000 square feet and featuring two sorting systems where materials are processed manually, mechanically and electronically. Thanks to these efficiencies, more than 20 tons of material, including glass, cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastics are processed every hour.

In addition, TDS has more than 30 acres dedicated to large-scale composting at its Creedmoor location, as well as three other composting facilities throughout Central Texas. These operations use a “closed-loop” process to divert items such as green waste, brush and tree trimmings from taking up space in the landfill while also creating premium-quality composts, soils and mulches. The items are then sold via the Garden-Ville brand.

Construction Connections

For developers, contractors and landscapers looking to ensure their projects are handled in an efficient, clean and cost-effective way, TDS Builder Solutions offers a one-stop shop for a variety of services for job sites, including roll-off dumpsters, portable restrooms, concrete and demolition recycling, source separation of materials, landscaping solutions and more.

“With our in-depth industry knowledge and comprehensive builder solutions, we offer an easier way of managing job site waste disposal—so you don’t have to,” says Rick Fraumann, Director of Sales at TDS.

Having good customer relations and providing quality work is how TDS continues to be the preferred choice.

For example, one of the top construction service providers in Central Texas has partnered with TDS for more than three decades. What started out as a few roll-off dumpsters has quickly evolved into offering a multitude of styles and sizes for dumpsters and portable restrooms.

From single-unit restrooms to luxury restroom trailers, shower and laundry trailers, handwashing stations and even high-rise units, there is no shortage of options to choose from under the TDS umbrella.

The added service of source separation of materials eliminates concerns about meeting green initiatives. TDS handles the proper recycling and disposal of materials while providing the specific diversion percentages to exceed environmental standards.

“One of the most beneficial services for contractors is that we accept all four major lines of material: landfill trash, concrete, wood and metal,” confirms Fraumann.

TDS also offers responsibly and locally sourced organic products such as mulch and STA-certified compost and soil blends, as well as commercial landscape services such as brush grinding, erosion control and excavation.

In Times of Need

It makes perfect sense that as a resource management company, TDS supports communities with its disaster and emergency response efforts. TDS holds a long track record of quickly and responsively providing portable restroom trailers and shower trailers, as well as cleanup solutions such as roll-off containers for waste materials.

Some solutions push the envelope of innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage of hand sanitizer put contractors under a lot of pressure to provide portable handwashing stations required to keep job sites open and running.

“Manufacturers couldn’t make these stations fast enough, and our customers were severely challenged to get back to work under the new guidelines,” Fraumann recalls. “In one of our early brainstorming meetings, we pushed ourselves to think outside the box. ‘What do we have on-hand? We’ve got barrels, pumps, water trucks and a welding shop. Let’s just make our own!’” Fraumann adds.

Soon after, TDS built nearly 300 handwashing stations for construction sites and essential businesses around the Austin area.

TDS’ innovative model, built on working together, is further reflected in the actions taken during the Texas winter storm in February. When critical infrastructures were unable to open and service the community due to lack of water and restrooms, TDS stepped in and provided the essential products. The team quickly coordinated getting portable restrooms to hospitals, shelters, gas stations and grocery stores as weather and road conditions permitted their drivers to safely perform these duties.

“With our in-depth industry knowledge and comprehensive builder solutions, we offer an easier way of managing job site waste disposal—so you don’t have to.” Rick Fraumann, Director of Sales, Texas Disposal Systems, Inc.

Proactive & Purposeful

TDS’ commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility fuels its desire to work with others for a better present and future. More than just a waste service provider, TDS is proactive in raising awareness and driving environmental change in local communities.

TDS understands that without knowledge of proper waste disposal practices, it’s more difficult to make a difference. That’s why, since serving Central Texas in 1977 to today, the company has worked with many companies and events to help them improve their landfill diversion efforts. From creating custom signage for Dell Diamond, the home stadium of the Round Rock Express (a Triple-A Minor League Baseball affiliate) to building a three-stream disposal plan for the Austin City Limits Music Festival, TDS has focused on providing the resources community leaders need to be successful.

In addition to providing these resources, TDS offers training to its customers. Whether that’s teaching construction staff on the responsible ways to process solid waste from job sites or training event staff behind the scenes on what types of trash goes where, TDS stays true to one of its purposes of creating the best environmental outcome for the greater good.

Community education for generations to come is also a big part of the TDS business model, and the company takes it very seriously. “The core of our culture includes community outreach, and we aim to make a long-lasting and positive investment in the future. We believe that starts with today’s students, which is why we created the Eco Academy program,” Leticia Mendoza, Director of Marketing & Communications at TDS, says.

The Eco Academy program, established in 2017, was developed to minimize waste in Central Texas schools with the idea of reinforcing a recycling mindset. Eco Academy, a K-12, bilingual Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills-aligned educational program, includes campuswide recycling and compost collection in cafeterias and provides curriculum to staff, administrators and students, instructing them how to divert waste.

Being Good Neighbors

The Gregory brothers’ passion for environmental preservation led them to found TDS in 1977. They set out to make their business model different from any others in the resource management industry. Their mission of making a positive impact on the environment and the communities they serve is evidenced daily through their leadership, their employees and their operations.

“Being a good neighbor is embedded in the culture of TDS,” Mistler says. TDS believes this results in a better way of doing business, building strong community support and meeting their mission. One example of the company’s diversification on this commitment is its TDS Exotic Wildlife Ranch and Pavilion that is home to more than 2,000 exotic animals. This working ranch is located on the 2,300-acre property, right alongside the landfill.

“The ranch is a reminder of our conservation efforts and a visible demonstration of how animals can coexist right alongside a working landfill when operated responsibly,” Mendoza adds.

To date, TDS has hosted more than 2,500 events at its Pavilion for qualified nonprofit organizations to raise funds, recognize worthy citizens and provide educational opportunities. The Pavilion has served as the preferred setting for organizations from city councils, schools, environmental agencies and faith-based organizations. Familiar names range from the Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Texas Parks & Wildlife. At last tally, TDS has helped organizations raise more than $27 million.

From contractors looking to recycle materials to communities meeting environmental goals, TDS continues to innovate and expand, reinforcing and underscoring its motto: “Noticeably Different, Noticeably Better.”