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ACT: Free Plants, Rebates and Garden Freebies

Free trees, community garden grants and garden waste services for Canberra gardeners. Everything the ACT Government offers, in one place.

Programs verified June 2026
The ACT Government has funded 87 community garden projects since 2015, with $100,000 available in grants each year.

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ACT Government Programs

Free Tree Giveaway (Canberra Tree Week)

Event
Up to 3 free trees per household during Canberra Tree Week

When: Canberra Tree Week runs 2 to 10 May 2026. Events are held at Weston Park, Yarralumla and other locations across Canberra.

Who: ACT residents.

What: Species include bottlebrushes, gum trees, fruit trees, maples, birch and walnuts. You can collect up to 3 trees per household.

How: Register via the City Services page when bookings open. Spots fill within 30 minutes, so set a reminder and be ready to book.

Check dates →
Registration fills fast. Bookmark the City Services page and set a calendar reminder for when bookings open. Fruit trees go first.

Free Garden Waste Drop-off (Mugga Lane)

Service
Free residential garden waste drop-off at Mugga Lane

Who: ACT residents with residential garden waste.

Where: Corkhill Bros green waste recycling centre at Mugga Lane. The processed material is turned into mulch and compost products.

Learn more →

Territory-Wide Programs

These apply across the whole ACT.

Community Garden Grants

Grant
$100,000 annual pool. Up to $8,000 (Stream 1) or $30,000 (Stream 2) per project.

Stream 1: Up to $8,000 per project for minor improvements, tool upgrades and small gardens.

Stream 2: Up to $30,000 per project for new large-scale food-production gardens and major infrastructure.

Who: Not-for-profits, schools, churches and owners' corporations. 87 projects have been funded since 2015.

Contact: EPSDDCommunityGrants@act.gov.au or 13 22 81

Apply now →

FOGO Rollout (Expected 2026)

Service
Canberra-wide kerbside food and garden organics collection

The ACT Government is building a large-scale FOGO processing facility. Once complete, kerbside food and garden organics (FOGO) collection will roll out across Canberra. Compost produced will go back into Canberra parks and gardens.

Status: Expected to launch in 2026. Watch for announcements from ACT NoWaste.

National Tree Day (Late July)

Event
Free tree planting events across Canberra

Planet Ark's National Tree Day runs every year in late July. Community groups and government agencies host planting events across the ACT. Check the Planet Ark site for local events near you.

Find events →

New programs launch every year

Get the updated list (and what to plant with your free haul) when ACT programs refresh.

Got your free trees? Now plan your garden.

See exactly what to plant this month in Canberra with the free Planting Season calendar.

View the Canberra planting calendar →