Welcome to the latest edition of Eco Africa

E-waste is a growing problem around the world, and only a tiny fraction of it gets recycled. That's a particular problem in Africa, because e-waste often ends up in the continent's dump sites. On this week's show, we take a look at some of the innovative ways people are getting to grips with the trash from electronic products — and find out how people are turning e-waste into valuable products and services. 

Firstly: You might have seen an e-waste scrap heap in your city, but did you know this kind of trash can be harmful to health? Our eco-check gives you the facts on the dangers of electronic waste. 

Next, we're in South Africa, where a team from the University of Cape Town is looking for ways African countries could 'mine' these waste materials and use the resources more sustainably.

In Europe, a growing movement is demanding people have the right to repair the products they buy. Its proponents say items should be easy to take apart and fix ourselves, so people won't have to constantly throw out old things and buy new ones.

We visit Rwanda next, a country that's become a hub for digital technology — and now has to tackle growing electronic waste. A specialized recycling facility refurbishes damaged phones and laptops, which are put to good use in schools.

Back in Germany, we meet an engineer who has made it his mission to recycle old car batteries — by extracting the valuable raw materials they contain.

And finally, the Ghanaian designer making everything from beautiful jewelery to funky furniture from items she finds on the scrap heap. 

Check out the show and let us know what you think at ecoafrica@dw.com.