Greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are generated when organic materials such as paper products, food waste, plant debris, and wood, as well as other non-organic materials, are sent to the landfill.

In 2010, 193,964 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂e) greenhouse gases were emitted from the waste that was sent to landfills by Fremont residents and businesses, accounting for approximately 3% of Fremont's community-wide greenhouse gas emissions.