99% Invisible The Monster Under the Sink
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Mar 19, 2024 
Jasper Davidoff, a reporter, dives into the fascinating history of garbage disposals in Jasper, Indiana—a town that once made garbage illegal! He explores how this radical initiative transformed waste management, sparking local debates and new public health strategies. Listeners learn about the implications of the Jasper Plan and how it aimed to improve sanitation while raising concerns over environmental impacts. Davidoff also highlights creative ways to tackle food waste at the source, encouraging mindful consumption and a shift towards innovative waste solutions.
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The Rise of Garbage
- Increased food availability and urbanization led to rising garbage and health concerns.
- Cities struggled with waste management, employing burning, dumping, and pig feeding, but these methods caused health issues.
Disposer's Genesis
- General Electric, inspired by large-scale grinders, developed the household garbage disposer.
- Sanitary engineer Morris Cohn aided GE's research, even experimenting at home with meat grinders and toilets.
Mayor Tinn's Inspiration
- Mayor Tinn, inspired by a store display, bought a disposer for $125, equivalent to $1500 today.
- He tested its capabilities extensively, leading to the "Jasper Plan."