One man's rubbish is another man's treasure: The English single use plastic ban, disability equality and the problem of reasonable adjustment

This conceptual article argues that the UK Government's approach to single-use plastics, particularly the restriction on plastic straws, reveals a disconnect between environmental policy and its obligations under domestic and supranational disability equality legislation. Both environmental and disability frameworks are grounded in the principle of human dignity and recognise the complex interplay of biological, social and economic factors in shaping access to rights. Chalabi's Needs, Interests and Capabilities (NIC) model offers a framework for constructing, evaluating and enforcing environmental rights by understanding interrelationships between social and biodynamic environments and citizens. Discard Studies highlights the importance of assessing inclusivity in environmental measures, aligning with the Human Rights model of disability, emphasising participation as realisation of dignity. ‘Reasonable adjustments’ allowing people with disabilities to request or purchase straws, creates rather than addresses potential exclusion. Consequently, this article proposes reconceptualising ‘reasonable adjustment’ as Assurance of Rightful Access, to bring greater coherence to the disability equality framework. ‘Placcess’ is proposed here as a proactive and context-specific application of this principle, arguing that emerging environmental policies should proactively embed disability equality. It affirms that people with disabilities are valid and equal rights holders in newly imagined spaces and systems.