Congratulations to Phillip Smith of Cedar Rapids, winner of the Secret Places and Helpful Hints contest.

    His tip — use the plastic tube from Airborne vitamins to store quarters for vending machines and toll roads — won Phillip a $50 gift certificate to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Hiawatha.

    Stacie Johnson, education coordinator for the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency, which sponsored the contest, noted that three tips were entered for using plastic milk jugs, along with other reuse ideas, and several people submitted “secret” or little-known places to take recyclables.

     Here are those entries:

 Three tips for Milk Jugs

      Flattened milk jugs in bottom of large planter; You use less dirt and the planters weigh less so they are easier to move

      Plastic tops from milk jugs to hold paint for crafts; teachers love them for art class

      Use bottom of plastic milk jug to hold paint

 Computers / Electronics

 Goodwill ReBoot – anything computer related will be recycled for FREE by Goodwill.  Drop it off at any of their retail locations.

 Midwest Computer Recycling in Walford, IA – another drop-off locations for all things electronic.  There may be a slight fee for some items.

 Best Buy – some electronic related items; 32” or smaller televisions are $10 to recycle, but you receive a $10 gift certificate in return.

 Cell Phones for Soldiers: http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

 Plastic Coffee Can

Hide your un-slightly plunger in a coffee can.  Just cut a small hole in the lid, sized so the handle goes through and you have a perfect storage container!  Can work for other stuff too.

 Peanut Butter Jar

Have your dog lick it out before rinsing – Treat for him / her, clean for you!