Arabic version: تأجيل تطبيق نظام فوغو في كانبيرا حتى 2030

According to ABC News, Canberra’s planned territory-wide Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service has been delayed for a third time, with the ACT government now aiming for a 2030 rollout.

The program was initially scheduled to begin in 2023. Its expansion was deferred until 2026 after the need to replace Canberra’s recycling centre following a fire, then delayed again in 2025 until 2028. ACT City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne confirmed the new target during a budget estimates hearing.

Before the service can be extended across the territory, a dedicated facility capable of processing at least 50,000 tonnes of waste must be built. Cheyne said the project would use a two-stage procurement process, with a request for proposals expected in coming weeks and three contractors to be shortlisted.

A FOGO pilot has operated since 2021 for more than 6,000 households in Belconnen, Cook, Macquarie and some Tuggeranong apartments. Cheyne said feedback had been largely positive, and that lessons from households concerned about fortnightly red-bin collections would inform the broader rollout.

ACT Greens leader Jo Clay criticised the latest delay, saying food-waste recycling was established technology and that residents regularly asked when the service would reach their homes. Waste accounted for six per cent of Canberra’s emissions in 2024-25. The federal National Waste Policy Action Plan seeks FOGO access for all metropolitan households and businesses by 2030.