The amount of residual film in farmland gradually accumulates with the increasing of the mulching years.The pollution caused by traditional polyethylene (PE) mulching film has an adverse effect on crops, so it is urgent to solve the problem of residual film in farmland.At present, the problem of residual film pollution will be alleviated to a certain extent through the three approaches: the recycling of traditional polyethylene plastic film in farmland, the microbial degradation of polyethylene plastic film, and the promotion and application of biodegradable plastic film.This paper summarized the application and pollution status of traditional polyethylene farmland mulch film, and the harm of residual film to soil and crop production.The current situation of farmland polyethylene plastic residual film recycling and treatment was analyzed and compared.The research status of microbial degradation of polyethylene plastic residual film and the application status and problems of biodegradable plastic film were also discussed.The suggestions and countermeasures tackling the existing problems in the process of residual film recycling, residual degradation of plastic film and application of biodegradable plastic film were proposed.The paper provides a reference for the rational utilization of plastic film and the treatment of residual film pollution.