My new TV is coming! Now, about my old one...

It's on the way! The announcement that my local cable provider, Time Warner Cable, had doubled the number of available HD channels to 50 was the push I needed. I went online, did my research, and ordered a (not-too-big-and-wasteful) 32-inch LCD TV that should arrive later this week. Hooray for me.

Now, what about the 27-inch Sony Trinitron that has been my constant companion since 1994?

We've been through a lot together: elections, Olympics, Absolutely Fabulous. What am I to do with this big glass-and-plastic monster that suddenly looks positively antique sitting on its stand?

My current plan is to take the easy way out and post it as a free giveaway at Craigslist. If you can haul it, you can have it. My hope is that it will go to someone who can really use it, or at least to someone who can sell it on and make a few bucks. The truth is that the TV has pretty much no value, if what I've seen on the site is any indication. I could also try FreeCycle, but I find it to be harder to figure out than Craigslist.

Since I've made my purchase online, I can't take advantage of any real-world store's offer to pick up my old TV when they deliver my new one, but I was happy to see that Sci Fi's DVICE blog recently did a useful roundup of the recycling policies of all the major electronics stores. This guide could help you decide where to go to make your next big-box purchase whether it's a TV or some other large appliance.

As for me, if this blogging gig continues to go well, maybe I'll budget for a new Energy Star-compliant air conditioner this summer, and then I'll have another toxic and antique appliance to dispose of.