The King of Trash: David Duong’s Story of Determination, Family, and Environmental Leadership

Though they came to the United States with nothing, the Duong family has found notable success through their work. For David Duong, The King of Trash chronicles a multigenerational family legacy built on resilience, environmental service, and community impact. The film highlights the contributions of the Duong family across generations, including David and the emerging leadership of Michael, Kristina, and Victor, who continue to expand the mission their father began. The documentary demonstrates the Duong family’s unique legacy of service and sustainability on a cross-continental scale.

Early Challenges in the United States

Amid the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Duong family was forced to flee South Vietnam by boat for a new life in the United States. Formerly the owner of one of the country’s largest paper recycling companies, David’s father, Jim Thu Tai Duong, occupied a single apartment alongside 16 other family members. Encouraged by his belief in honest work, the family survived by collecting recyclables at night. These early struggles shaped the discipline later carried on by Michael, Kristina, and Victor Duong, who now contribute to the family’s companies.

From CoGiDo to California Waste Solutions and Vietnam Waste Solutions

Starting with a used truck and $700, the Duong family founded the CoGiDo Paper Corporation in 1983. Though they sold the company in 1989, David leveraged the experience to found his own venture in 1992: California Waste Solutions (CWS). Starting with just eight used trucks, David grew CWS into one of the leading family-owned recycling companies in the United States.

Having found success in the United States, David set his sights on Vietnam. He hoped to contribute to his homeland, becoming one of the first overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs to reinvest in Vietnam. There, David founded Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS), introducing modern environmental technology to Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, CWS maintains two separate operations in CWS Oakland and CWS San Jose, processing 1,000 tons per week in Oakland and 1,300 tons per week in San Jose. Vietnam Waste Solutions processes roughly 7,500 tons per day, anchored by the Da Phuoc Integrated Waste Management Facility, a state-of-the-art sanitary landfill considered one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia. Its modern technology improves the quality of life in Ho Chi Minh City by providing covered, properly engineered waste treatment systems with comprehensive leachate and landfill gas collection. Between the United States and Vietnam, the Duong family has created thousands of jobs and supported underserved communities.

The King of Trash

For all his achievements, David remains inspired by his father’s example. Known in Vietnam as “Vua Rác,” meaning “The King of Trash,” he left everything he had worked for to continue supporting his family in the United States. Despite the difficulties they faced, he reminded his family that nothing should be wasted, especially not the new opportunities they had been presented with in America.

Recognizing the impact his father had on his work, David resolved to tell the story of his family. Working with renowned cinematographer Errol Webber, the story of the Duong family was captured in The King of Trash, a feature documentary. The film depicts the family’s refugee escape, their successful rebuilding in the United States, and their leadership in modern waste management.

Looking Ahead: Continuing a Legacy of Community Impact

Beyond business success, his work reflects a deep commitment to community impact: creating opportunities, supporting environmental progress, and upholding values of hard work and integrity. Through these efforts, David serves as a role model who inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs to build not only successful businesses but also stronger, more responsible communities.

Author Profile

Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com