Controlled low strength material (CLSM) is a green backfill material which can self-compacting fill narrow space, facilitate secondary excavation and maintenance, and promote the utilization of solid waste resources. It can be used in pipe gallery backfilling and abutment back filling engineering. In order to improve the application level of solid waste materials in CLSM, scientifically and reasonably guide the composition design of CLSM material, and clarify the evolution law of CLSM working performance under the influence of multiple factors, the selection status of curing materials and curing base materials of CLSM were combed, the application status of solid waste materials in CLSM were summarized, and the relevant technical specifications and test standards related to the working performance of CLSM were compared and evaluated. The evolution law of flowability, bleeding rate, setting time and drying shrinkage of CLSM under the influence of different factors was clarified. In view of the remarkable progress made in the current CLSM-related research, the further research on CLSM composition design based on comprehensive performance regulation under different application scenarios is an urgent direction to promote CLSM engineering application.