a process of , and apparatus for , washing fragments , such as plastic fragments , in a continuous fashion as part of a recycling operation . the plastic fragments are fed into an axially rotating perforated tube , wherein a stationary washing and rinsing spray header are mounted therethrough for spraying the plastic fragments revolving with the tube . wash and rinse water pass through the perforations , carrying with the water residue and unwanted particles . the wash water , rinse water and unwanted particles pass into a trough arranged below the revolving tube which collects the water and residue and transports same to either a screen separator in the case of the wash water , or a holding tank in the case of the rinse water . auxiliary systems are disclosed for using recycled wash water and recycled rinse water for the process . a drying system which receives the plastic fragments from the washing apparatus is also disclosed .