Landscape Forms introduced the Rockford litter, a system of 45-gallon recycling, litter and compost receptacles designed to provide performance and elevated aesthetics for public outdoor spaces. The system was designed in collaboration with Michael Welsh, a Grand Rapids-based industrial designer and Principal/Owner of Michael Welsh Design.

Available in side-opening and top-opening styles, the Rockford litter’s increased volume, durable all-metal construction, and ease of servicing make it an ideal solution for high-traffic public outdoor spaces like urban parks and downtown streetscapes. It’s adaptable in function and form, designed to work solo or in groupings and with understated modern design that quietly elevates its fellow site furnishings. "This large, 45-gallon capacity is the standard specification for many cities, downtowns and parks,” describes Landscape Forms Director of Design, Ryan Heiser. "Our intention with the Rockford litter was to create a core product that addressed the fundamental needs of our customers, fit into a wide variety of settings, but also had the unique details that elevate it to another level of design and quality.”

On the side-opening version, the lid takes the form of an origami-inspired folded plane, seemingly floating above the container and creating new and interesting silhouettes from different viewing angles. For the top-opening model, Rockford litter’s lid is akin to an oblique pyramid with the faces cut out, lending the receptacle a directional quality and a rhythm when placed in groupings. On both versions, the lid can be color coded to clearly communicate its appropriate contents to users.

Central to the design of the Rockford litter was ensuring an easy and intuitive experience both for people who use the product and for people who service the product. "Based on market feedback and conversations with our clients, we designed a locking front access door with an easy bag catch so that, in servicing Rockford, you never have to lift a heavy bag and liner up and out through the top of the container,” Heiser says. "This design just makes the job easier for the staff who use it day to day.”

Rockford litter is available in Landscape Forms’ new powder coat color palette, a thoughtfully curated range of options designed to fit into the diversity of architectural styles and bring new opportunities to the company’s proprietary Panguard II® Polyester Powdercoat System recognized for its industry-leading durability, color retention and resistance to wear. LandscapeForms.com