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The System Used for Rubbish / Garbage Collection in Your Local Area is Not Working- GT Letter Band 9

Updated: Jan 29, 2024

The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours.

Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

  • describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly

  • explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours

  • suggest what should be done about the problem


IELTS Letter Writing Band 9 / GT Writing Task 1 Band 9 Sample

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Model Answer 1


Dear Local Council,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the inefficient garbage collection system in our area, which has become a growing issue for both myself and my fellow residents on Maple Street.


In recent weeks, we have observed that the garbage collection in our area has been irregular and often delayed. The bins are overflowing well before the scheduled collection days, leading to unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the waste is not segregated properly, causing recyclable materials to mix with general waste, which contradicts environmental best practices.


This situation has significantly impacted our daily lives. The accumulation of garbage is not only an eyesore but also poses health risks, attracting rodents and insects. The foul smell emanating from the piled-up waste is unbearable, particularly during warmer days. Our children are finding it increasingly uncomfortable to play outside, and several neighbours have raised concerns about potential health hazards.


To address this issue, I propose a more stringent monitoring system to ensure garbage collection occurs as scheduled. Additionally, introducing more frequent collections and better waste segregation practices could greatly alleviate the current problems. It might also be beneficial to conduct community workshops on waste management to encourage residents to minimize waste and understand the importance of recycling.


I trust that the council will take prompt action to rectify this situation and improve the living conditions in our community.


Yours sincerely,


Jordan Smith


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Model Answer 2


Dear Local Council,


I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am reaching out to bring to your attention a pressing concern that has been disrupting the serenity and hygiene of our neighborhood on Willow Crescent, specifically regarding the suboptimal functioning of our local rubbish collection system.


The current state of rubbish collection in our area is far from satisfactory. Collections have become sporadic, often missing the designated days. This irregularity has led to overflowing bins and piles of garbage accumulating on the streets. Furthermore, the lack of proper segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable waste has compounded the issue, leading to environmental concerns and a blatant disregard for sustainable practices.


This ineffective waste management system is adversely affecting the daily lives of residents in our community. The unsightly heaps of uncollected rubbish are not only an eyesore but also pose significant health risks. The decay and decomposition of waste have resulted in a foul stench permeating our surroundings, and there's an increased sighting of rodents and insects, which is particularly alarming for families with young children.


In light of these issues, I suggest the implementation of a more robust and reliable collection schedule, coupled with stricter enforcement of waste segregation rules. Additionally, periodic community awareness sessions on effective waste management could greatly contribute to alleviating the problem. It is imperative that these measures are adopted to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community members.


Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to seeing positive changes in our neighborhood.


Yours faithfully,


Emma Thompson


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Model Answer 3


Dear Sir or Madam,


I am writing this letter to complain about the mismanagement in the waste collection system which is inflicting problems to the locals.


For the past few weeks, the rubbish trucks are not coming on time. They are serving for only two or three days a week, whereas the locals are annually charged in advance to take the garbage once a day. In addition, most of the trucks’ hydraulic cylinders that operate the compacting mechanism do not function properly, resulting the trucks loaded with loose and less amount of waste, leaving many garbage bins unchecked.


This uncertain delay causes the garbage left outside for a longer period, spreading the odour in the air. It gets even worse when a gust of wind takes the bins across the road and throws it up on the driveway. Sometimes the waste ends up on a driver’s windshield or attaches to the wheels that cars cannot help dragging the trash even kilometres, let alone meters. Thus, the waste mismanagement severely impacts the overall local atmosphere.


However, the most effective measures to address this matter could be, but not limited to, enforcing the garbage collection regulations, fixing the current technical defects, adding well equipped modern trash trucks, and incentivising the workers to collect the garbage on time. Also, a weekly monitoring unit could be launched to put into place a comprehensive waste management system.


Hope you would take immediate attention to this matter and give me a positive response as soon as possible.


Yours faithfully,


Nick Knight


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