The wet air regeneration of some 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) exhausted activated carbons (ACs) has been investigated. The wet oxidation process of MCPA in the absence of ACs suggests the development of a a radical mechanism. Oxygen partial pressure has been shown not to affect the process, while pH exerts a negative influence. Temperature has a positive effect in the range of 160-210 degreesC. The use of a heterogeneous catalyst or radical promoters significantly enhances the oxidation process in terms of both MCPA removal and mineralization levels. Regenerated ACs undergo a deterioration in their adsorption capacity, achieving the best results when the regeneration stage is carried out in the presence of a radical promoter. Alteration of the microporous structure is likely the reason for such a deterioration. The use of the extractive ozonation process as the regenerating technology seems to be a promising alternative for microporous adsorbents. Experiments conducted by using commercial acetic acid as the solvent and ozone as the oxidizing agent have resulted in practically 100% recuperation of both the solvent and the AC adsorption capability.