The environmental services industry rarely attracts headlines. People usually don't see how complex recycling and waste systems keep their cities healthy, functional, and livable. However, one individual, David Duong, has helped bring the human side of these systems to the spotlight. The King of Trash documentary shows how one family's perseverance can influence public health, infrastructure planning, and long-term sustainability in the United States and Vietnam. Through The King of Trash documentary, audiences learn how David Duong's cross-continental work in the recycling industry helped modernize waste systems and redefine sustainability leadership.
A Family That Rebuilt from Nothing
After 1975, Duong's family fled Vietnam with nothing but determination to survive. They rebuilt their lives in San Francisco through small recycling jobs that involved collecting materials door-to-door. This hands-on introduction to the recycling industry became the origin story of what would later become California Waste Solutions (CWS), one of the most trusted recycling providers in the Bay Area. It was grueling work. However, it gave him a clear view of how immigrants often start at the bottom and still manage to contribute to communities. The film highlights how the Duong family's refugee journey laid the foundation for environmental innovation that now spans CWS Oakland, CWS San Jose, and Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS).
This humble start led to the founding of California Waste Solutions (CWS) with one used pickup truck. Today, CWS operates large-scale recycling divisions in Oakland and San Jose. CWS Oakland processes roughly 1,000 tons per week, while CWS San Jose handles 3,000 tons per week for hundreds of thousands of residents. Those numbers speak to what happens when a family treats public service as a generational responsibility. Family leadership continues to guide that work. Duong's sister, Kristina Duong, his brother, Victor Duong, and his son, Michael Duong, each play critical roles in sustaining the company's mission and preparing the next generation to lead.
In the United States, his support of the Oakland Dynamites youth football team enabled young athletes to compete on the national stage, reinforcing his belief that every child deserves access to opportunity. Together, these efforts show a philanthropic approach rooted not in charity alone, but in a commitment to strengthening communities on both sides of the Pacific.
Environmental Challenges Others Overlook
Cities across the country struggle to maintain recycling systems that keep pace with population growth, contamination, and policy mandates. These pressures reflect a global waste crisis, where cities struggle to keep pace with rising landfill volumes, contamination rates, and the need for modern sustainability infrastructure. Many municipalities rely on large corporate haulers with limited local connection or accountability. Duong's approach is different. Through CWS, he built a company grounded in performance, trust, and reliability. As a result, major cities have partnered with his team for decades. The long-term municipal partnerships in Oakland and San Jose underscore how crucial reliability and transparency are for any recycling and waste management provider.
As the company matured, Duong recognized that Vietnam faced a similar problem. Rapid urbanization has created urgent public health challenges tied to unmanaged waste. Instead of watching from afar, the Duong family chose to invest in the country's infrastructure.
The investment led to the launch of Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS) and developments such as the Da Phuoc Waste Management Facility and the Long An Green Environmental Technology Park. VWS now handles up to 7,500 tons per day for Ho Chi Minh City. This service provides millions of people with cleaner, safer environments.
Values That Show What Leadership Looks Like
CWS and VWS have maintained long-term consistency in the waste industry. Duong and his family have attained this sustainability with the guiding principles of integrity, accountability, family unity, and public service. These values come into play when they work with city officials in Oakland and San Jose or when they develop new technology in Vietnam.
The cross-border expertise also sets them apart. Operating in both the U.S. and Southeast Asia requires a rare combination of technical skill, cultural understanding, and regulatory knowledge. This capability enables them to address the challenges of fast-growing cities that lack the resources to build advanced waste management systems.
A Story Preserved for Future Generations
The King of Trash documentary is a gripping story of survival in the land of opportunity and the American Dream. It documents the refugee experience, the rebuilding of a family, and the rise of companies that have become essential to millions of people. It also corrects long-standing misconceptions about recycling and landfilling operations in both countries. The documentary shows the inner workings of these systems through real footage and lived experience.
David Duong's Ongoing Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
David Duong's motivation has never been about the spotlight or status. It's about responsibility. With that in mind, CWS plans to expand its capabilities in California, strengthen partnerships with the cities it serves, and continue meeting high environmental standards. Meanwhile, VWS is moving toward advanced technology and large-scale sustainability projects that will serve Vietnam for decades.
