Activated carbon has been extensively utilized in a broad spectrum of applications, including catalyst support, energy storage, separation and adsorptive removal of various species. In the synthesis of activated carbon, microwave treatment is a beneficial heating technique for the activation and thermochemical processing of precursors due to various advantages, including uniform heating, shortened processing time, reduced energy consumption and reduced consumption of activating agents. This study aims to present an extensive review on the utilization of common, abundantly available and low-cost biomass wastes to prepare microwave-induced activated carbons and to investigate their dye adsorption characteristics. The methodology for activated carbon synthesis from biowastes, the effects of synthesis conditions, and the influencing factors, such as microwave power level, irradiation time, type of activator, and chemical impregnation ratio, for the efficient adsorption of dyes are discussed. This review highlights the feasibility of using microwave-induced biowaste-derived activated carbons, which supports their potential use as effective and economical dye adsorption materials.