With the utilization of solid waste resources becoming a hot topic nowadays, the research outputs of autoclaved aerated concrete prepared by solid waste are endless in recent years. However, due to the wide variety and different characteristics of solid wastes, the laws and mechanisms of solid wastes affecting the dry density, compressive strength and other key properties of autoclaved aerated concrete are not clear, which need to be summarized urgently. This paper first summarized the main factors affecting the dry density and compressive strength of autoclaved aerated concrete in terms of matrix and pore structure, and then analyzed the rules and mechanisms of solid wastes influencing the dry density and strength of autoclaved aerated concrete in terms of siliceous, calareous and gassing materials, finally summarized the problems in the current research and discussed the future research directions.