Abstract: Excessive phosphorus discharge is likely to cause a series of environmental problems such as eutrophication. The phosphorus removal and recycle has become a major environment problem. Biochar from waste carbonization has become a promising material for phosphorus recovery because of its huge specific surface area and abundant functional groups. The different raw materials, influencing factors and adsorption mechanisms of biochar were introduced, and the research progress of effects of different precursors, loading metals and pyrolysis temperature on adsorptive performance was specially analyzed. In addition, the current practical application in wastewater treatment and its subsequent agricultural application of biochar were also discussed. Finally, the development direction of waste-based biochar in the future was prospected.