Microwave heating is based on the interaction between electromagnetic fields and matter to achieve valuably recycling spent plastics.The effects of conventional and microwave heating on the pyrolysis products of spent plastics are compared.This review involves the research progress on the applications of microwave in the pyrolysis of different kinds of plastics and the co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics, especially on the yields of oil, gas and coke produced.Finally, the challenges and prospects of using microwave-assisted pyrolysis technology for spent plastics are discussed.