Case Study: Quest Geelong Central, a Soap Aid Champion

23/07/2025

Why Circular Economy Solutions Matter for Australian and New Zealand Accommodations

Every day, accommodations discard thousands of partially used soap bars, contributing to landfill waste, plastic pollution, and unnecessary carbon emissions. But what if that waste could be transformed into something lifesaving?

Soap Aid’s Hotel to Hands soap recycling programme is a powerful example of the circular economy in action and our partner Quest Geelong Central is showing how accommodations can lead the way.

Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine sees the significant social and environmental value of our programme! Sustainability Case Study: How Quest Geelong Central reduced waste – Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine

 

 

What is the Hotel to Hands Programme?

The Hotel to Hands programme is a sustainable soap recycling initiative that collects gently used soap from accommodations, reprocesses them into new, hygienic bars at our recycling plant in Dandenong.

Utilising our network of Community Impact Partners, we distribute the recycled bars free of charge to communities in need, both locally and globally, alongside hygiene education materials for lifelong change.

By joining the programme, accommodations:

  • Divert waste from landfill
  • Reduce plastic use and emissions
  • Support public health and hygiene
  • Align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

 

Why Hard Soap Bars Are the Sustainable Choice

Many accommodations still use liquid soap in plastic bottles—an option that contributes significantly to plastic waste and carbon emissions. In contrast, hard soap bars are:

  • 100% recyclable
  • Plastic-free
  • Lower in emissions
  • Longer lasting and more hygienic

By switching to hard soap and recycling it through Soap Aid, accommodations can reduce their plastic waste by up to 25% and make a measurable environmental impact.

 

Case Study: Quest Geelong Central

Located in the heart of Geelong, Quest Geelong Central joined the Hotel to Hands programme in 2024.

Through our soap recycling programme, they have diverted their waste soap to us for recycling in Dandenong, and we have been able to support local organisations, such as St Mary’s Parish Pantry, a Geelong-based charity supporting families in need.

Read the full case-study here: Case Study: Quest Geelong Central – A Soap Aid Champion in Action

 

Why Soap Recycling Matters for Your Accommodation

Whether you manage a sustainably minded boutique B&B or a large hotel chain, joining Soap Aid’s Hotel to Hands programme is a simple, cost-effective way to recycle your waste and meet your sustainability goals. It’s also a great way to:

  • Enhance your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  • Engage your team in meaningful action
  • Appeal to eco-conscious travellers
  • Contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet

 

✅ Ready to Join the Movement?

Soap Aid partners with accommodations to recycle their waste from across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia and New Zealand.

If you’re ready to reduce waste, support communities, and become a Soap Aid Champion, register today: Get Involved – Soap Aid