Heavy metal sludge is classified as hazardous waste as the sediment after chemical treatment of heavy metal wastewater. With economic development, a large number of industries are bound to produce more heavy metal sludge. This article reviews the morphological distribution and characteristics of heavy metal sludge, and introduces the current technology, advantages and disadvantages of the harmless disposal and resource utilization of heavy metal sludge in my country. Finally, the heavy metal sludge treatment technology and application are prospected.