Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a shredder that converts plastic containers, packages and cups into relatively small fragments (e.g., about one to two square inches) to promote cleaning. The shredder intake may be located below the discharge end of a conveyor upon which plastic items are placed after being separated from other refuse in a salvage operation. Fragments produced by the shredder are delivered to a reservoir containing many gallons of cleaning liquid, e.g., water and a detergent. A pump propels the liquid and light-weight plastic fragments (typically foamed polystyrene) to an elongated chamber that serves to turn and twist the fragments with sufficient turbulence so as to clean them during their excursion through the chamber. Turbulence is preferably achieved by providing a plurality of static devices constituting fixed obstructions around which the pumped liquid flows.