Every human activity related to energy production inevitably generates waste. In the operations of coal-fired power plants (PLTU), waste is not limited to coal ash from combustion, but also includes other types that are considered hazardous.
One commonly encountered example is contaminated cleaning cloth, known locally as majun, which refers to used cleaning rags that have been exposed to chemicals. This type of waste falls under the category of B3, or hazardous and toxic materials.
So, what exactly is B3 waste, and why does contaminated majun require special attention in environmental management?
What Is B3 Waste and Why Is Contaminated Majun Classified as B3 Waste?
In simple terms, B3 waste refers to residues from business or industrial activities that contain hazardous and toxic substances capable of harming the environment and human health.
In the context of coal-fired power plants, B3 waste typically comes from maintenance activities such as used lubricants, contaminated packaging, and contaminated cleaning cloth (majun).
Majun itself is a piece of fabric, often originating from the textile or garment industry, that is repurposed as a cleaning tool for spills of oil, paint, liquid chemicals, or production residues that may involve hazardous materials.
Once used, these rags absorb hazardous substances and become contaminated cleaning cloths. According to Government Regulation (PP) No. 22 of 2021, Annex IX, they are officially classified as B3 waste under code B110d.
In other words, contaminated majun is a cleaning rag that is no longer usable due to exposure to hazardous materials. Because of its contamination, it cannot be disposed of carelessly and must be managed in accordance with B3 waste management standards.
Sources of Contaminated Majun in Coal-Fired Power Plants
Contaminated majun in PLTUs may originate from various operational and maintenance activities, such as:
- Cleaning production areas: used to wipe spills of oil, lubricants, or other chemicals.
- Machine maintenance: applied to wipe equipment components exposed to hazardous substances.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): clothing or work fabrics contaminated with chemicals may also be classified as contaminated majun.
As these activities are frequent, the volume of contaminated cleaning cloths in PLTUs can be significant. Given their contamination, they are considered B3 waste that poses environmental risks if mishandled.
Components Found in Contaminated Majun
This type of B3 waste generally consists of solid flammable materials. Substances commonly found in contaminated majun include:
- Used oil and lubricants
- Paint and fuel spills
- Cleaning agents
- Coal dust
- Chemical residues from equipment maintenance
Due to these hazardous contents, contaminated majun may exhibit toxic, corrosive, or flammable properties. It is therefore categorized as easily combustible solid waste and must be managed under official regulations.
Regulations and Classification
Based on Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021, Annex IX, regarding Environmental Protection and Management, contaminated majun is classified as solid waste under code B110d.
Specifically, it falls into Category 2, defined as hazardous waste with delayed effects that indirectly impact the environment and human health, while also presenting sub-chronic or chronic toxicity risks.
This classification confirms that contaminated majun is not ordinary waste. Its management must follow strict procedures, including:
- Collection at the point of origin.
- Storage in secure, designated containers.
- Packaging and labeling in compliance with B3 standards.
- Transportation by licensed operators.
- Processing or disposal using appropriate technologies to prevent new risks.
Through these measures, both environmental pollution and occupational hazards can be minimized.
Why Is Managing Contaminated Majun Important?
If improperly managed, contaminated majun can pose significant dangers. It may cause soil, water, and air pollution. Toxic chemical residues can poison ecosystems, accumulate in the environment, and ultimately affect human health.
Additionally, due to its flammability, improperly stored contaminated cloths can create fire hazards. For these reasons, B3 waste management regulations strictly govern how contaminated majun must be handled.
Innovations in B3 Waste Reduction in Coal-Fired Power Plants
Beyond compliance with standard procedures, some PLTUs have implemented innovations to reduce B3 waste generation. A notable example comes from PT Paiton Energy, a pioneer in reducing B3 waste through the Hyflex Reusable Hand Glove program.
This initiative, developed by a team consisting of Galih Nurchary Adhji, Dini Pertiwi, and Fian Shalihin, successfully reduced the volume of contaminated cleaning cloth originating from used gloves. By June 2024, the program had achieved a reduction of 0.492 tons of B3 waste from used gloves (code B100d).
The program also generated economic benefits, enabling PT Paiton Energy to save IDR 2,756,600 in waste management costs by mid-2024. Its success was further recognized as an unprecedented innovation in the PLTU sector, as it had not appeared in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Best Practice Innovations list over the past four years (2020–2023).
The achievement was officially acknowledged through an Innovation Pioneer Certificate issued by an independent body, numbered 2343/UN1/PSLH/PT.01.10/2024.
From the above discussion, it is clear that B3 waste requires special attention due to its environmental and health risks.
In coal-fired power plants, one such example is contaminated majun—cleaning rags that have absorbed hazardous substances such as oil, paint, lubricants, or chemicals.
The management of contaminated majun must strictly follow B3 waste management procedures, from collection to disposal, in order to prevent further risks. Meanwhile, innovations like those implemented by PT Paiton Energy demonstrate that B3 waste reduction is possible through creative solutions that also support environmental sustainability.Understanding the concept of B3 waste—particularly contaminated majun in PLTUs—helps reinforce the importance of responsible waste management to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
