With the vigorous development of leather industry, the environmental pollution problem originated from tannery wastewater is becoming increasingly serious, which could be solved by using the advanced adsorption technology. As a biodegradable natural biomaterial, starch displays a wide range of sources and has gradually become one of the best choices for preparing superabsorbent polymers. The excellent characteristics of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer make it widely applied in wastewater treatment. Therefore, this paper reviewed the research progress of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer in recent years by removing metal ions and typical organic compounds from tannery wastewater. Firstly, the synthesis methods and characteristics of starch‐based superabsorbent polymers were discussed. Secondly, the main factors influencing the adsorption performance of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer have been introduced. Thirdly, the present situation of treating tannery wastewater with starch‐based superabsorbent polymer was summarized. Finally, some problems existing in the practical application of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer were proposed. Although starch‐based superabsorbent polymer showed excellent adsorption properties, there remained several issues such as recycling needed to be addressed. This review would benefit for the high‐value utilizations of starch‐based superabsorbent polymers in reducing the environmental pollution caused by tannery wastewater.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved