We have investigated the kinetics and activity of waste catalysts for steam-lignite gasification. Waste catalysts I, II, III and reference $K_2CO_3$ were used and physical mixed with a coal. The gasification experiments were carried out with the low rank coal loaded with 1 wt% and 5 wt% catalyst at the temperature range from 700 to $900^{circ}C$ using thermobalance reactor. It was observed that the carbon conversion reached almost 100% regardless of the kinds of catalysts at $900^{circ}C$. The shortest time to reach the designated conversion was obtained for 1 wt% waste catalyst II and 5 wt% $K_2CO_3$ at $900^{circ}C$. The gasification reaction rate constant increased with increasing the temperature. Highest rate constant was obtained with $K_2CO_3$ at $900^{circ}C$. The lowest activation energy was 69.42 kJ/mol for 5 wt% waste catalyst II. The waste catalyst had an influence on the reduction of activation energy.