Upgrading? Reuse, Recycle Your Analog TV

Analog is out and digital is in. With this new era dawning, those watching older TVs without cable or satellite service either had to buy a converter box or get a new digital-ready television.

The digital transition does provide a nice excuse to splurge on a brand spankin' new set, but what will you do with the old one?

Just because the rabbit ears aren't reigning in a signal from the outside world doesn't mean the television is useless. Old TVs can still work with DVD players and VCRs, and here are some places they could go.

• Guest room: You can add a little luxury to that spare bedroom by giving guests their own entertainment center.
• Kids' bedrooms: How many times do you really need to watch the Hannah Montana DVD? This way the kids can get their fix, but won't be able to overdose on late-night talk shows when they should be snoozing.
• Local schools: Most schools could incorporate your old TV into their closed-circuit system, or use them to show educational films in classes.
• Local shelters or hospitals: Especially with budgets getting tighter, local shelters and hospitals are often happy to receive donated sets to entertain their visitors.
• Good Will/Salvation Army: One man's trash is another person's treasure. Obsolete technology still has an appeal to some -- think of the 35mm camera fans and the vinyl junkies.

If you feel like getting creative with your old set, you could gut your old TV and convert it into a fish tank, or a display case -- both make great conversation pieces that harken back to the glory days.

If you decide to dispose of your old TV, don't just kick it to the curb. Analog TVs contain toxins including chromium, lead and mercury, so it is important to dispose of them properly so those harmful materials stay out of the water and soil.

To help find a recycling center near you, the Federal Communications Commission recommends myGreenElectronics, a program that helps consumers locate electronics recycling centers and purchase green electronics in their area.

Earth911.com also helps users find recycling centers. Simply enter what you need to recycle and your ZIP code, and it will find places for you to properly recycle anything from cars to construction materials.

Finally, some electronics manufacturers -- including Sony -- will actually take back your old set and recycle it for you. You can visit Take Back My TV to tell other major electronics manufacturers you'd like them to do the same.