Just bought a new washer (been 22 years) our old one had the detachable sphere that fit over the agitator. Our new one does not have this. The overflow goes directly into the main sewer pipe - no overflow sink- so my question is, is this a separate part, or are the new washers just sending the lint, hair, etc. into the drain? Sorry it's a GE Thank you

Just a change in models. I've seen those lint traps on some older washers but most did not have them.