Abstract: Spent cathode carbon(SCC), which contains a lot of toxic substances and has high recovery potential, is an inevitable solid waste in aluminum electrolysis industry. In this paper, research status of three kinds of treatment methods for SCC was summarized, and comprehensive treatment progress of SCC was reviewed with comparison of the three methods. After analysis of SCC comprehensive recovery and treatment technology, it was found that high temperature heat treatment has the advantages of large treatment capacity, fast reaction rate, and small secondary pollution. And ultrasonic assisted leaching process has the characteristics of high product purity, fast reaction rate, and simple process. The two processes have broad prospects for development and need to strengthen the exploration of industrial application.