In this study, the waste activated carbon used in the painting process was filled into a cylindrical cartridge and the characteristics of desorption by low temperature gas were investigated. Adsorption and desorption experiments of toluene with activated carbon were conducted to determine the flow rate of desorption. In an experiment where desorption was performed while changing conditions at flow rates of 1, 2 and 4 m3 min-1, it was determined that 2 m3 min-1 was appropriate due to the high THC concentration and desorption time. In the early stage of the desorption of waste activated carbon, 2-butanone and MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone) with a low boiling point were generated at a high rate in the gas component, and after that, the concentration of THC decreased and the BTX was desorbed at a high rate. The total calorific value of the gas component generated during the desorption of waste activated carbon was 316 kcal kg-1. From repeating the regeneration of waste activated carbon with toluene five times, it was observed that the iodine value and the specific surface area were relatively lower than that of new activated carbon. In the desorption experiment where two cylindrical cartridges were connected in series, the maximum THC concentration was about 470 ppm.