So, your old TV has finally served its time, and you're planning to get hold of a flat-screen model. But what are you going to do with the old one? Scrap it? Sell it? Give it away? We'll run through the best options, allowing you to save - and even make - money.

Many households are still hanging on to their old CRTs. But what are you supposed to do with these ton-weight TVs when you make the switch to a new flat-screen. We'll show you the options available to you when buying a new device.

The simplest solution to the problem: Keep it! Maybe there's room in your home-office for an old TV. Or in the guest room, in case a visitor can't get to sleep and is looking for some distraction.

Think carefully about whether it's absolutely necessary to get rid of the old set, or whether you could actually still find a use for it. You could even rebuild it into something else, if you're technically minded - a TV-shaped aquarium or chest of drawers will certainly catch people's attention. If you really don't have space or further use for the old unit, there are several possibilities for getting it out of your way.

What to do with old CRT TVs?

It's not permitted to dispose of the TV as normal household waste, since the devices contain numerous environmentally-hazardous substances. Sometimes there'll be a second-hand goods dealer waiting in front of the drop-off center, who'll be really keen to get hold of an old TV that he can overhaul and then sell on.

Sometimes these dealers will also advertize in local papers and offer free collection of your old unit. Even some drop-off centers offer a collection service for a small fee, typically less than 9 GBP.

You can get rid of your old electronics at a local recycling facility.

Many financially less-fortunate people would love to get hold of a working TV. Ask a local non-profit organization if they're willing to take in TVs and pass them on. You could also ask friends and acquaintances if they know someone who has a use for an old TV.

What's eBay for, after all? However, you should bear in mind that tube TVs rarely fetch much money, and that you'll have to pay to use the eBay service. Another possibility is to place small ads online or in local papers, but here too you may have to pay to place the ad.

Second-hand (electronics) dealers may also be interested in buying an old TV. You probably won't get much for it, however - after all, these dealers are interested in making as large a profit as possible on the resale.

Another possibility for getting rid of your old TV: online auctions.

You can exchange your old TV as part-payment for new goods at larger electronics stores. Keep an eye out for adverts offering this service, and bear in mind that you'll still have to heave the old - and in some cases extremely heavy - TV into the car to make the exchange. Not everyone's back will be up to this challenge.

So, once you've made a decision, we wish you the best of fun with your sparkling new TV - our "Reviews" section will help you choose the one that's best for you.