Why Brownsville Needs
Composting Now
Brownsville sends over 140,000 tons of waste to the landfill every year — and more than half of it is organic material that could be composted instead. We're changing that.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Brownsville's waste crisis is real — and composting is one of the most effective solutions available.
~140,000
tons of waste sent to landfill each year
50–60%
of that waste is organic and compostable
58%
of landfill gas is methane — a potent greenhouse gas
20 yrs
estimated remaining landfill capacity
$80+
per ton cost to landfill — composting costs far less
0
municipal composting programs in Brownsville today
Our Goals
The Compost Brownsville initiative has four clear, achievable goals.
5,000 Signatures
Collect 5,000 verified Brownsville resident signatures to present a compelling case to City Council.
Municipal Composting Program
Establish a city-run composting program that diverts organic waste from the landfill and turns it into usable compost.
Reduce Landfill Waste by 50%
Up to 60% of what Brownsville sends to the landfill is organic material that could be composted instead.
Community Education
Build awareness about composting benefits through schools, clinics, community events, and local media.
The Benefits Are Clear
Composting isn't just good for the environment — it's good for Brownsville's economy, public health, and quality of life. Here's what a municipal composting program would deliver:
- Reduces methane emissions from landfill decomposition
- Creates nutrient-rich compost for local parks, gardens, and farms
- Extends the life of Brownsville's landfill by decades
- Saves the city money on landfill tipping fees ($80+/ton)
- Creates local green jobs in collection and processing
- Improves soil health and supports local food production
- Reduces pollution and protects the Rio Grande Valley ecosystem
- Connects gut health to soil health — healthy soil grows healthier food
Gut Health + Soil Health
As Dr. Sandra Garcia of Tummy Better says: "Gut health is real health." Composting creates the healthy soil that grows the nutritious food that supports a healthy gut. It's all connected.
Our Roadmap
From petition to city-wide program — here's how we get there.
Collect Signatures
Gather 5,000 signatures from Brownsville residents online and through printed petitions at community events, clinics, and schools.
Present to City Council
Deliver the signed petition to the Brownsville City Council with a formal proposal for a pilot composting program.
Pilot Program Launch
Work with the city to launch a pilot composting program in select neighborhoods, measuring diversion rates and community participation.
City-Wide Rollout
Expand the program city-wide with curbside organic pickup, community compost drop-off sites, and free compost for residents.
A Brownsville-Born Initiative
This petition was started by Dr. Sandra Garcia, DC — a Brownsville chiropractor and founder of Tummy Better — who believes that community health starts with the environment we live in. Brownsville deserves clean air, healthy soil, and a sustainable future for our children.