Today, David Duong stands out as a prominent Vietnamese American entrepreneur and sustainability leader, but his origins reflect extraordinary hardship. His journey represents a legacy of service and community contribution, leading to the rebuilding of a multigenerational environmental enterprise across two nations through California Waste Solutions (CWS) and Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS). The story of this work is now told through the feature documentary The King of Trash.
From Vietnam to Starting Over in the United States
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Duong family fled Vietnam by boat, leaving behind the largest paper-recycling firm in South Vietnam. The company had been built by David’s father, Jim Thu Tai Duong, known across the region as “Vua Rác” — the King of Trash.
Resettled in San Francisco, the family shared a small apartment with 17 relatives, surviving by collecting recyclables at night. These early years forged the values that continue to guide the Duong family, including the leadership of Kristina Duong, Victor Duong, and now Michael Duong, who represents the next generation of the family enterprise. Throughout those difficult beginnings, Jim reminded his children that there is honor in every kind of honest work.
Building California Waste Solutions and Expanding to Vietnam
With only one truck and $700 to their name, the Duong family launched the CoGiDo Paper Corporation in 1983. Though they sold the company in 1989, the experience provided David with the knowledge he needed to gather eight used trucks and found California Waste Solutions (CWS) in 1992. Initially a small operation, David grew California Waste Solutions into one of the largest family-owned recycling companies in the United States.
After establishing CWS Oakland and CWS San Jose, David turned his attention back to Vietnam. Intent on giving back to the country, he established Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS) overseas. Through the company, he introduced modern recycling and waste management technology to Ho Chi Minh City, including the Da Phuoc Integrated Waste Management Facility and the Long An Green Environmental Technology Park, two of the largest environmental projects in Southeast Asia.
Today, California Waste Solutions processes approximately 1,000 tons of recycling each week in Oakland and about 1,300 tons per week in San Jose. Vietnam Waste Solutions processes approximately 7,500 tons per day through its operations in Ho Chi Minh City, anchored by the Da Phuoc Facility. With dedication and resilience, the family has gone from collecting bottles by hand to overseeing truck routes and automatically processing hundreds of tons of recycling.
Preserving His Father’s Legacy Through Film
For all his success, David has never forgotten his father’s sacrifice and leadership. His inspiration, therefore, comes from his father’s example, known as “Vua Rác” in Vietnam, which translates to “The King Of Trash.” His father taught David and his siblings that nothing should be wasted, especially not one’s own potential. To further his family’s legacy and share these lessons, David set out to capture their journey.
The King of Trash documentary is a feature film by cinematographer Errol Webber that depicts the Duong family’s journey from Vietnam to success in America. It preserves the difficulties of their refugee escape, their determination to rebuild in California, and their current leadership in waste management. Ultimately, the film reflects their commitment to community and lasting integrity.
Continuing a Family Legacy of Service
David, along with Kristina Duong and Victor Duong, continues to make a difference both in the United States and in Vietnam. As The King of Trash reflects on their past, it also points toward a future shaped by sustainability, integrity, community service, resilience, and leadership. The Duong family remains committed to advancing waste-management innovation through California Waste Solutions and Vietnam Waste Solutions, guided by the values their father instilled.