<p>Aluminum dross (AD) is a hazardous waste generated by the aluminum smelting industry, with a large annual output and increasing year by year, and there is an urgent need to explore the route of harmless, resourceful, and beneficial development of aluminum dross. AD contains abundant amounts of metallic aluminum and aluminum oxide, which have high recycling value. This article provides a brief introduction to the sources and physicochemical properties of aluminum ash, and summarizes various harmless and recycling methods for aluminum dross. Primary aluminum dross is mainly used for recycling metallic aluminum; and secondary aluminum dross is mainly used to prepare high-value products such as alumina, refractory materials, and Water purifying agents. The comprehensive use of aluminum dross not only prevents the waste of resources and environmental pollution, but also achieves good economic benefits, which is in line with the concept of green and environmentally friendly development, and is of great significance for the sustainable development of the aluminum industry.</p>