The economy of China has been developing very fast since the 20th century, and large numbers of construction projects have been carried out, which have intensified the contradiction among people, land, and resources. Unreasonable disposal and dumping of residues in development construction projects not only wastes a lot of soil and stone resources, but also invades a large amount of land. At this situation, environmental pollution and disasters are usually induced. China is vigorously promoting the construction of ecological civilization at present. The action plan for soil pollution prevention-control and the pilot project of waste free city construction have been carried out successively. The resource utilization of residues is an important content of the soil and water conservation law, so characteristic analysis and evaluation of resource utilization potential are of great significance. Based on the available data, it is predicted that the amount of residues currently available in China is close to 40 billion tons. Because of the material composition of residues are mainly soil, sand and stone, the methods and materials for resource utilization are easier to realize and low in cost, and have the potential for resource utilization. However, so far, the management and research on residues is mainly based on policy guidance. The methods, materials, and potential evaluation of residues to achieve resource utilization are still weak. This paper summarized and analyzed the types, material composition, and utilization potential of residues, and further points out the importance and feasibility of residues resource utilization. This research could provide scientific guidance for production and construction units and relevant administrative departments to effectively reduce the occurrence of residues and realize resource utilization.