This work reports the synthesis of novel electrocatalysts obtained from leather-scraps. Simple thermochemical treatments were used to harness a waste material, which provides properties that make it a promising material for fuel cell electrocatalysts. The leather thermally treated at 700 degrees C have good activity for the ORR by producing higher current density than commercial Pt/C catalyst, with an onset potential very close to the monometallic. (C) 2015 The Electrochemical Society.