I know it traps the lint, but why?? I was just wondering because I put a load of towels in the dryer and then hit the start button. Then I remembered I hadn't cleaned the lint trap so I pulled it out while the machine was running. While I was dumping the trap into the wastebasket, I just happened to look out the window next to the dryer vent and the lint was flying into the backyard. Sooo, why not just let the lint fly into the backyard? Is it dangerous in some way? While l await an answer, I put the trap back into the dryer and checked the window. No more lint flying into the yard, but I still would like to know if there is any reason. I thought it had something to do with fire prevention, any ideas?