I'm sure you've read here and in books that garbage under the sink is not recommended. If someone is at the sink, and someone else needs to get to the trash, it's always a hassle. Do you have more than one person in your family that might be in the kitchen at the same time. Remember they don't have to be cooking to generate trash. I don't know your kitchen, but you might want to post a layout so the more experienced on here can weigh in and maybe offer suggestions. If it were mine, I'd try to dedicate a cabinet, but make it as narrow as possible, maybe 12".

There are some very tiny garbage cans that can fit on the door if that is the route you're determined to go. These containers might be small enough to clear the plumbing. Although there might be other brands, I know of one type Rev-a-shelf makes called pivot-out waste bins. Here's a link:

Here is a link that might be useful: Pivot-out Waste Bin

Kathec, interesting point. My husband and I cook together regularly with our garbage can under the sink and I have never considered it more than a minor inconvenience. I love the fact that it's hidden and that weird spot under the sink is useful. It helps that we have a just a small garbage bin that can be pulled out if necessary, but that's just as useful for one person cooking as two. Adrienne, as stated above, we use that spot for trash but we bought a (super cheap) small wastebasket that can be easily moved and it works great.

If you Google Ikea Fans and under sink pullout you'll get asome info on how peoplehave tweaked standard sink bases to add pullout trash, etc. Here's a photo site tutorial of how one homeowner did it:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1R8XMidzzM6sOxGawSArdgpBmyK-cHDtp_arEALSjmQ?feat=directlink

I also hem-hawed about devoting 15" of cabinet space to something I'd gotten along fine without for so many years. In the end I went ahead and did it -- with a cost, I store a few things in the basement that can't fit in the kitchen (griddles, specialized baking pans mostly). Now I can say it was well worth it, so much more convenient and helpful than I ever thought. It really did make for just a little less aggravation when in the kitchen by losing the step-aside for a trash thrower -- however small that was... akin to finally swatting that gnat, not gonna kill me, but what a relief.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea Fans Under-sink Pullout hack

Your plumber should be able to reroute those pipes so they are under the right side of your cabinet with little effort. I have a 27" sink base and was amazed with the way the plumber was able to squeeze all the pipes and and dishwasher hookup in one small area to accomadate the trash pullout.

Thank you to everyone who responded. Lucypwd, which cabinet manufacturer did you use, and do you have an apron sink? I so very much want to stick my garbage and recycling in this spot. :o)

Adrienne - I don't have an apron sink. I have an undermount franke orca. The cabinets are custom. I forgot to mention that I like the way the inner box immediately drops to 5" because it makes it so easy to pull out the full garbage can. I don't have to lift it up and out.

I think the fact that there is no door, basically it is just a drawer, is what I love. One hand pulls open the drawer the other drops the garbage. You don't have to step out of the way to swing open a door and then pull out.