Ennis installs 1st underground refuse system in Texas

ENNIS – The City of Ennis recently installed the first underground refuse system in Texas.

The City of Ennis, along with Underground Refuse Systems, will be hosting a ribbon cutting on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Ennis Welcome Center, 201 NW Main St. in downtown.

The city has been working for the past five years on an overall master plan to transform the city’s historic downtown.

“The new system is a more efficient use of valuable space, holds much more than traditional above ground containers, reduces cat and rodent populations, and nearly eliminates unpleasant odors.”

Overall, the plan focuses on creating an experiential destination, providing a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the downtown experience.

“Our team is extremely excited to have our patented underground solid waste containment and collection technology in Texas starting January 2022 in Ennis, with a downtown ribbon cutting,” said Jay Wheeler, CEO of Underground Refuse Systems.

Waste containers are steel underground dumpsters in use 20-plus years in France, Italy, Spain, Peru, Israel, etc. The technology saves space, is rat-proof, people proof, climate change resilient and with weatherproof technology.

There are currently two underground units installed on Knox Street, and two more units are being installed at the corner of N. Sherman St. and Knox St.

Four more units are slated to be installed in the spring of 2022, with remaining inventory totally 16-units being installed as downtown revitalization projects continue.

Underground Refuse Systems became operational in Texas this month, and on Feb. 27 they will also become operational at the Philadelphia Phillies spring training stadium in Florida.

The underground dumpsters are suitable for trash, organics/food, and recycling.

Smart city sensors are included with each unit to monitor volume and send an alert to empty at 80% capacity so the units never overflow.

Ennis paid for the installation, which includes engineering and construction.

“Ennis city staff has been terrific to work with,” said Wheeler.

“Any city looking to substantially improve would be well served to come join us for the Ennis ribbon cutting to see what a true smart city, climate-resilient, animal proof, and better efficiency for solid waste.”     

Other downtown projects in the city include all of the downtown area, which has undergone significant revitalization over the last five years with projects including Minnie McDowal Park, a new welcome center, redesigned Dallas Street and Knox Street, and many private investment historic renovations of buildings.

These projects have significantly beautified downtown and turned into an experiential destination both locals and visitors alike want to spend time.

Ennis’ new city hall is almost complete and other upcoming projects part of the approved master plan include the Ennis Ave. underpass, which will connect downtown to Interstate 45, and the city just announced nine confirmed businesses opening in downtown in 2022 including two restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop, two spas, a food truck park and one clothing boutique. 

“The underground refuse collection system is a significant improvement in how we collect and dispose of solid waste downtown,” concluded Ennis City Manager Marty Nelson.