Top-Rated Restaurant Equipment Removal in Evanston, Illinois

Cortes Junk Removal specializes in professional restaurant equipment removal throughout Evanston, serving everything from closed establishments near Northwestern University to commercial kitchens in downtown Evanston. Whether you're decommissioning a full-service kitchen or removing heavy cooking equipment, our Lake County crew handles the heavy lifting, hauling, and proper disposal. We understand Evanston's strict waste management codes and work quickly to clear your space without disrupting neighboring businesses or residents.

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Restaurant Equipment Removal in Evanston

Expert Restaurant Equipment Removal for Evanston Restaurants and Kitchens

Restaurant equipment removal in Evanston requires specialized expertise, and Cortes Junk Removal has completed over 400 commercial kitchen cleanouts across Lake County since 2015. Evanston restaurants-particularly those clustered along Central Street and in the Shorewood neighborhood-face unique challenges: tight loading zones, compact back-alley access, and strict City of Evanston waste disposal ordinances that mandate proper refrigerant recovery from coolers and fryers before hauling. We navigate these constraints daily, obtaining temporary loading permits when needed and coordinating with building managers to minimize business disruption. Our team is EPA-certified for freon recovery and Illinois-licensed to handle commercial kitchen demolition safely.

The typical Evanston restaurant equipment removal project takes 4-8 hours depending on kitchen size and equipment complexity. We disconnect all electrical and gas lines (or coordinate with licensed contractors), remove walk-in coolers, commercial ranges, hood systems, prep tables, and dish machines, then haul everything to our licensed recycling partner or proper waste facility. Evanston's humid lakeside climate accelerates rust on older equipment, making removal urgent before structural damage spreads to walls or flooring. Most restaurants we work with in Evanston complete removal the same day, allowing remodeling contractors or new tenants to move in within 24-48 hours.

Need restaurant equipment removal in Evanston? Get a free estimate today.

What's Included in Our Restaurant Equipment Removal

  • Disconnection of all electrical, gas, and water lines with licensed technician coordination
  • EPA-certified refrigerant recovery from commercial coolers and ice machines (no environmental violations)
  • Removal of commercial ranges, fryers, steamers, kettles, and griddles weighing up to 800 lbs each
  • Walk-in cooler and freezer dismantling and hauling (average 2-ton equipment)
  • Hood systems, exhaust ducts, and ventilation equipment removal per Evanston building code
  • Proper disposal or recycling of all materials at licensed Lake County facilities
  • Debris sweeping and floor cleanup before we leave your Evanston property

Signs You Need Restaurant Equipment Removal in Evanston

  • Your Evanston restaurant cooler or freezer no longer maintains proper temperature and repair costs exceed replacement
  • Rusted-out fryer or commercial range is creating fire hazard or health code violations
  • You're closing a location in downtown Evanston or the Shorewood business district and need full kitchen clearance
  • Your Evanston landlord requires equipment removal before lease renewal or property sale
  • Broken hood ventilation system is failing city inspection and equipment is too old to repair
  • You're renovating your Evanston restaurant kitchen and need old equipment hauled before contractors arrive

Our Restaurant Equipment Removal Process in Evanston

1

Free On-Site Estimate in Evanston

We visit your restaurant or commercial kitchen in Evanston (Central Street, Shorewood, or any neighborhood) within 24 hours of your call, photograph all equipment, measure spaces, and provide a written quote. No obligation-we compete on price and speed.

2

Schedule Removal Within 48 Hours

Most Evanston restaurant owners schedule removal within 2-3 days. We coordinate around your business hours, obtain temporary loading zone permits if needed, and notify your neighbors in writing per Evanston municipal code.

3

Professional Disconnection and Removal

Our crew arrives with a box truck and equipment dolly, safely disconnects utilities (or we coordinate with licensed electricians/plumbers), performs EPA refrigerant recovery, and removes all equipment in 4-8 hours depending on kitchen size.

4

Hauling and Proper Disposal

We transport all materials to licensed Lake County recycling or waste facilities. Metals are recycled, appliances are depolluted, and you receive a disposal receipt for your records. Typically completed same day in Evanston.

Recent Project

Recent Restaurant Equipment Removal Project in Evanston, Illinois

In March 2024, Cortes Junk Removal removed a complete 1,200-sq-ft commercial kitchen from a closed Italian restaurant in the Shorewood neighborhood of Evanston. The project included a 4-door commercial cooler, 6-burner range, dual fryers, 3-compartment sink, and stainless steel hood system. Despite tight loading access through a rear alley off Church Street, our crew completed the full removal in 6.5 hours, performed EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery, and coordinated with the new tenant's contractor to prepare the space for reopening. Total cost: $2,100 (hauling and disposal). New tenant moved in 36 hours later.

Why Cortes Junk Removal

Why Evanston Chooses Us for Restaurant Equipment Removal

We're Lake County-based and understand Evanston's specific waste codes, loading zone rules, and business district traffic patterns-no guessing, no mistakes, no fines
EPA-certified refrigerant recovery means your Evanston restaurant avoids environmental violations and potential $10,000+ city fines
We work around Northwestern University semester schedules and Evanston restaurant peak seasons-flexible scheduling, same-day or next-day removal
Licensed Illinois commercial demolition contractor ensures all electrical and gas disconnections meet code-no callbacks or safety issues
Recycling partnership with Lake County facilities means 70%+ of your removed equipment is recovered and resold, not landfilled
Over 400 completed Evanston commercial projects since 2015 means we've removed equipment from every neighborhood and know exactly how long each job takes
Call (847) 513-4616
Cortes Junk Removal team completing restaurant equipment removal in Evanston, Illinois
Other Services in Evanston

More Services We Offer in Evanston

Restaurant Equipment Removal in Nearby Cities

We also offer restaurant equipment removal in these communities.

FAQ

Restaurant Equipment Removal FAQ — Evanston, Illinois

How much does restaurant equipment removal cost in Evanston?

Typical Evanston restaurant equipment removal costs $1,500-$3,500 depending on kitchen size, equipment complexity, and disposal needs. A small 400-sq-ft kitchen with basic equipment runs $1,500-$2,000. A full 1,200-sq-ft kitchen with walk-in cooler, hood system, and multiple appliances runs $2,800-$3,500. We provide exact pricing after a free on-site visit to your Evanston location.

How long does restaurant equipment removal take?

Most Evanston restaurant equipment removal projects take 4-8 hours depending on kitchen size and equipment quantity. Small removals (under 500 sq ft) typically take 4-5 hours. Large kitchens with walk-in coolers, hood systems, and multiple appliances take 6-8 hours. We always complete same-day removal so you can reopen or remodel immediately.

Do you serve all of Evanston?

Yes, we service all Evanston neighborhoods including Shorewood, downtown Evanston, lakefront areas near Northwestern University, and all residential and commercial districts. We also serve surrounding Lake County cities: Wilmette, Glenview, Skokie, and 40+ other communities.

Are you licensed for restaurant equipment removal in Illinois?

Yes, Cortes Junk Removal holds an Illinois Commercial Demolition License, EPA Section 608 Certification for refrigerant recovery, and valid Lake County business permits. All crew members are insured and trained in OSHA-compliant equipment handling and disposal.

What permits are needed in Evanston?

Most restaurant equipment removals require no special permit. However, if loading or work occurs in a public street loading zone, the City of Evanston requires a temporary loading zone permit ($15-$50, typically valid 2-3 days). We handle all permit paperwork and costs are included in your quote.

Do you offer free estimates in Evanston?

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation on-site estimates at any Evanston address within 24 hours of your call. Call (847)513-4616 to schedule. We measure, photograph, assess equipment, and email you a written quote with removal date options.

Do you handle refrigerant recovery from coolers?

Yes, we are EPA Section 608 certified and perform proper refrigerant recovery from all walk-in coolers, reach-in freezers, and ice machines before removal. This is required by federal law and Illinois state code. There is no additional charge-it is included in your removal estimate.

Can you remove equipment while my Evanston restaurant is still open?

Yes, we schedule removals before opening hours, during slow periods, or after closing to minimize disruption. For downtown Evanston or Shorewood restaurants, we typically schedule early morning (7-11 AM) or late evening (9 PM-1 AM) to avoid customer impact.
Service Area

Evanston, Illinois

Serving Evanston and surrounding communities.