The capacity of activated carbon as a buffer pretreatment combined with biotrickling filtration for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal has been studied. The adsorption capacity of commercial activated carbons for m-xylene, acetone and n-butyl acetate (typical paint solvents) was evaluated, including the response to the interchanging of adsorbed compounds and to mixtures over fluctuating inlet conditions. The adsorption of m-xylene and n-butyl acetate was mainly irreversible and more than three times higher than for acetone. The prior use of activated carbon influenced adsorption and buffer capacities in consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles. The Dubinin-Radushkevich equation was used to correlate the results. VOC removal in a full-scale biotrickling filter treating industrial emissions confirmed the benefit of using a passive activated carbon prefilter. A combination of these technologies increased the elimination capacity and promoted a more efficient performance of the biological process. The VOC removal improvement depended largely on the pattern and composition of emissions.