Today, David Duong emerges 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 multi-generational environmental business in two nations through California Waste Solutions (CWS) and Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS). The story of this work is now told through the long 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 company in South Vietnam. The company had been built by David’s father, Jim Thu Tai Duongknown throughout the region as “King of Trash” – King of Trash.
Living in San Francisco, the family shared a small apartment with 17 relativessurvive by collecting recyclables at night. These early years created the values that continue to guide the Duong family, including the leadership of Christina Duong, Victor Duongand now Michael Duongrepresenting the next generation of the family business. During these difficult beginnings, Jim reminded his children of that there is honor in all kinds of honest work.
Builds California Waste Solutions and expands to Vietnam
With just one truck and $700 to their name, the Duong family launched CoGiDo Paper Corporation in 1983. Although they sold the company in 1989, the experience gave David the knowledge he needed to collect eight used trucks and found California Waste Solutions (CWS) in 1992. Initially a small business, David grew California Waste Solutions to 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. With the intention of 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 Da Phuoc Integrated Waste Management Facility and that Long An Green Environmental Technology Parktwo of the largest environmental projects in Southeast Asia.
Today, California Waste Solutions processes approximately 1,000 tons of recycling each week in Oakland and approximately 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 Da Phuoc plant. With dedication and resilience, the family has gone from collecting bottles by hand to monitoring 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 go to waste, especially 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 the documentary is a feature film by cinematographer Errol Webber that chronicles the Duong family’s journey from Vietnam to success in America. It preserves the hardships of their refugee flight, 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 Christina Duong and Victor Duongcontinues to make a difference both in the US and in Vietnam. As The king of trash reflecting on their past, it also points to a future shaped by sustainability, integrity, community service, resilience and leadership. The Duong family remains committed to promoting innovation in waste management California Waste Solutions and Vietnam Waste Solutionsguided by the values instilled by their father.
