Abstract: A fluid jet shredder apparatus includes a conveyor for conveying a stream of material to be shredded. The conveyor has openings formed therein. A shredding station in position adjacent the conveyor and includes a fluid jet cutting nozzle directing a high pressure jet of fluid onto the stream of material. As a result, portions of the material are separated from the stream of material. The separated portions of material pass through the openings in the conveyor. A subsequent shredding station can be positioned downstream of the initial shredding station for directing a second and higher pressure jet of fluid onto the stream of material. The subsequent shredding station can therefore shred material which the initial, relatively lower pressure fluid jet failed to shred from the stream. Sequential shredding stations of incrementally increased pressure can progressively shred material of increased hardness from the stream. The fluid jets can selectively include an abrasive material.