In this forward-looking perspective, the current technologies for low-temperature waste heat recovery are first analyzed from two aspects: (i) the local waste heat recovery technology and (ii) global optimization of energy flow network. Based on the analysis, barriers for the further promotion of waste heat recovery are outlined, and they include the lack of global optimization methodology, distributed waste heat recovery system with high costs, and mismatches between waste heat source and demand. To address these issues, perspectives on three aspects are provided. First, advanced graphical analysis and optimization methodology integrating the heat exchange and energy conversion can promote the user-friendly optimization. Second, concentrated waste heat recovery and supply can save the investment, installation area and operation costs, thereby making the waste heat recovery cost-effective. Third, thermal storage, thermal transportation and high temperature heat pump can better couple the waste heat source and user demand from time-scale, spatial scale and energy grade, respectively. Visions for the future are combined with technical details to provide comprehensive perspectives for the next-step waste heat recovery. •Technologies for low-temperature waste heat recovery are analyzed.•Optimizing method for combined heat exchange and conversion network is discussed.•Concentrated waste heat recovery and supply is a cost-saving option.•Technologies for the waste heat source and user demand coupling are discussed.