Recycling Nos. 1-6 Finally, a way to recycle those yogurt containers and margarine tubs. Eastside Food Co-op has joined with Consolidated Container Co. and the city of Minneapolis to begin taking used plastics, including previously nonrecyclable items. The key words are save, rinse and sort. Plastics must be sorted according to numbers 1 through 6 (look for the number in the little triangle) and free of food waste. Drop-off days are Thursdays and Fridays in collection bins in the Eastside Co-op parking lot at 2551 Central Av. NE., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proponents say participation must be high for the program to be cost-effective. So save, rinse and sort!

Break out your Bundts Our very own Nordic Ware is sponsoring its third "Bundts Across America" contest, with bakers judged on recipes they've created for one of 10 popular U.S. holidays. Each recipe will be judged on originality, taste, texture, visual appearance, use of ingredients and an essay describing how the cake represents that holiday. Ten finalists will travel to San Francisco for an expense-paid weekend for the final baking competition, with the grand prize winner getting $10,000 in cash. To enter, complete the official entry form at www.nordicware.com. Pay attention! There are specific details, right down to "no elaborate use of frostings," which would conflict with the "essence of the Bundt cake." All entries must be received by midnight Aug. 1.

Bongards' birthday Bongards' Creameries in Carver County, makers of award-winning Cheddar, is observing its 100th year in business. What began as a cooperative of 72 local farmers in 1908 has grown into one of the world's largest creameries with $350 million in sales last year. Along the way, Bongards' once was the world's largest cheese plant under one roof and used the world's first automated continuous cheesemaking system. Most of its products today are private-label cheeses, but its retail store is open every day at 13200 County Road 51 (just east of Norwood Young America south of Hwy. 212; look for the giant cow). For details, go to www.bongards.com or call 952-466-5521.

Vote for dessert The Pillsbury Doughboy has begun his Campaign for a Sweeter America by introducing the four candidates running for the nation's favorite sweet: cake, brownies, frosting and quick bread. Sweet tooths ages 18 and older can vote online at www.pillsburybaking.com/campaign. Why? Oh, why not?

KIM ODE