Rotating biological contactors (RBCs) have been used as an efficient fixed film method of treating wastewater due to its advantages such as low energy and land requirements or simplicity of operation. In this article, we firstly describe the operation, benefits and drawbacks, hydrodynamics and typical applications of these bioreactors, and then review the main factors affecting their performance. Some aspects about RBC design and scale‐up, the main operational problems and their resolution are presented. The comparison of the performance of RBCs with other wastewater treatment systems as well as costs considerations and prospects are also discussed.