Construction Contract Awarded for Solid Waste Compost Yard at Cefé Valenzuela Landfill

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – At today’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting, Mayor Paulette Guajardo and the City Council awarded a $5.48 million contract to JE Construction Services, based in Corpus Christi, for the construction of a Solid Waste Compost Yard. This new facility will be located at the Cefé Valenzuela Landfill.

The compost yard will be able to process 120,000 tons of mixed organics annually, reducing landfill use and generating cost savings. It is estimated to save the City $500,000 to $1 million yearly and provide a new revenue source. For example, composting 80,000 tons of organic waste costs $482,000 versus $1.38 million for landfilling, yielding nearly $898,000 in savings.

The compost yard, a concept approved by the City Council in 2021, represents yet another innovative, cost-saving initiative at the landfill. In April 2024, the Corpus Christi Renewables, LLC landfill-gas-to-energy plant began operations. So far, it has generated $4.6 million for the City while saving an estimated $230,000 in operating and maintenance costs for active and closed landfills.

“This project represents a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and smart growth,” said Mayor Paulette Guajardo. “By investing in composting, we’re not only reducing landfill use and cutting costs, but also creating new opportunities for our local economy. This is how we build a more resilient and forward-thinking Corpus Christi.”

The composting program, which is intended for City and commercial use only, aims to ensure no financial impact on ratepayers. It is designed to seamlessly integrate into Solid Waste Services’ existing operations without altering the current collection process. 

The facility will be capable of processing a range of organic materials, including but not limited to:

• Biosolids from municipal wastewater plants
• Source-separated organic materials
• Clean wood material
• Yard clippings
• Other vegetative materials

Composting reduces waste and extends the life of municipal landfills by diverting organic materials. While landfill cells require continuous construction, a composting facility must only be built once.

"This large-scale composting project is a win-win-win: it's a top-tier waste management solution, promises substantial cost savings, and propels us toward the State's 40 percent diversion goal,” said Philip Aldridge, Director of Solid Waste. “It also creates valuable local connections by supplying compost to area vendors and landscapers."

The City's shift to composting will benefit local stakeholders, including the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, golf courses, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the landfill.

Construction is anticipated to begin in August, with an expected completion in February 2026.

Media representatives requesting additional information may contact Cassandra Hinojosa, Public Information Officer, at 361-826-2944 or cassandrah3@cctexas.com.