Which domestic item was invented by a Wisconsin architect, and why are these common in the US but not in Europe?

peasypod

Wisconsin architect John Hammes invented the food waste disposer in 1927. We don't have them here in Australia either, well, at least I don't. Us Aussies just keep an old icecream bucket under the sink and when it's filled with old food scraps we chuck it to the neighbours dog, or, delicately place it in the ever sacred compost bin. Jan 19 05, 9:19 PM

jbean

Wisconsin architect John Hammes invented the food waste disposer in 1927. In his original model, the disposer ground up the food waste so it could be flushed down the kitchen drain. Hammes tinkered with his original model for 10 years before he launched the In-Sink-Erator Mfg. Co. and its line of disposers. When disposers were first introduced most municipalities banned them because of worries about their impact on sewage treatment systems. However, by 1960 they were required in new construction by ordinance in more than 100 communities because of their sanitary value. Much like the water closet, a disposer immediately removes raw food waste from the home through sewerage pipes to treatment plants, where it can be treated and neutralized. Jan 19 05, 9:19 PM