He's not necessarily saying he know's a solution, just that such a problem should be considered. Satellites do collide -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_satellite_collisionThe idea of satellite collisions and space junk is an actual concern https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome .
Sure a few washing machines in space isn't a big concern. Now imagine a few collide, hundreds of bits and bolts flying around earth, at unknown trajetories, at thousands of miles per hour.