High metal containing wastes from the aluminium industry, the tannery industry and the electroplating industry were tested as precursors for catalysts. These waste materials were processed using various treatments and tested for the total oxidation of volatile organic compounds employing propane as a model gas. Comparisons were made with unprocessed counterparts in certain cases. Investigations were made in the temperature range of 100-500 degrees C with a GHSV of 5000 h(-1). Characterization of fresh and used catalysts was performed using techniques like BET analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and thermal analyses (DTA/TG). The results showed that the catalyst obtained from combination of red mud with tannery shavings mixed in high ratio followed by thermal treatment and the unprocessed red mud were the most active. A 50% conversion in the range of 320-380 degrees C was achieved. In comparison, the other wastes showed lower activity, requiring much higher temperatures for the same conversion. In view of the low cost involved and easy availability of such materials, their utilization as a source of catalyst can be of interest. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.