Activated carbons were prepared from the pyrolysis of waste melamine coated chipboard at 600 and 800°C by chemical activation with NaOH. The effects of the carbonization temperature and concentration of chemical reagent on their chemical-surface properties were investigated. The highest surface area was obtained at 600°C with the 50 wt. % concentration of sodium hydroxide. The external surfaces of the activated carbons showed amorphous and heterogeneous structures.