Equally, if prices suddenly fall (as does happen, see Figure 5.1 below), then the private operator may (temporarily or permanently) withdraw, leaving the public authority to ‘pick up the pieces'. The different drivers for the different activities often create tension between public service providers and businesses that may compete for the same waste stream. If ownership rights over materials and responsibilities for cleanliness and service provision are not clearly defined and delineated the tension may lead to vulnerable or underperforming systems.