Press & Media

Phố Bolsa TV recently aired a special feature on the documentary The King of Trash  titled “The Story Behind David Duong: From Refugee to the King of Trash.”  The segment highlights the remarkable journey of David Duong and his family, who fled Vietnam after 1975 and rebuilt their lives in the United States through hard work and perseverance. Through personal interviews and film footage, the report emphasizes the family’s early struggles, their commitment to honest labor, and

USA Today recently featured The King of Trash ,  a powerful new documentary that traces the true story of David Duong and his family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to becoming pioneers in America’s recycling industry. According to the article, the film follows the Duong family’s escape from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975, their dangerous journey by sea, and months spent in refugee camps before arriving in San Francisco with nothing. Once in Oakland, the family surv

The San Francisco Business Times  feature highlights David Duong  as one of the most influential Vietnamese American entrepreneurs of his generation, recognized for his leadership in environmental sustainability, recycling innovation, and community impact in both the United States and Vietnam. The article traces Duong’s journey from a Vietnamese refugee following the fall of Saigon to becoming the President and CEO of California Waste Solutions  and Chairman of Vietnam Waste

San Francisco Business Times  recently featured The King of Trash , highlighting the documentary’s powerful portrayal of David Duong  and California Waste Solutions , and the family-led innovation that helped reshape recycling and environmental services in California. San Francisco Business Times  emphasizes how the documentary goes beyond a traditional business profile, presenting a deeply human narrative rooted in resilience, family values, and perseverance. Through archiva

California Waste Solutions Facility

David Duong CEO & Founder of California Waste Solutions

Following two deeply moving and well-received private premieres in Northern California,  The King of Trash  is making its way to Orange County for the next chapter of its pre-screening series. The film has already sparked emotional conversations, powerful reflections, and overwhelming praise from guests who experienced the early showings in San Jose and Oakland. A Powerful Start in Northern California The film’s first pre-screening in San Jose brought together more than 200 V

After a memorable and deeply emotional evening in San Jose,  The King of Trash  is continuing its private pre-screening series, with the next stop in Oakland — the place where the Duong family’s American story truly began. A Heartfelt Night in San Jose The San Jose pre-screening gathered more than 200 VIP guests, including community leaders, local officials, entrepreneurs, and longtime supporters who have followed the journey of  David Duong  and his family for decades. The a

California Waste Solutions known today as  California Waste Solutions, Inc .  did not begin with money, land, or big investors. It began with a family starting over. When the Duong family arrived in the United States after fleeing Vietnam in 1975, they had little more than determination and the willingness to work any job that allowed them to stand on their own feet again. Those early years were shaped by hardship, but they also planted the values that would guide everything

Before dawn breaks over Oakland, long before most of the city begins its day, David Duong often walks the quiet grounds of California Waste Solutions. The trucks are still at rest, the sorting lines silent, the air almost meditative. He pauses in the pale morning light not as a CEO surveying operations, but as a man who has carried an ocean’s worth of memory into every corner of his life. It was at dawn, nearly fifty years ago, when the Duong family pushed their small wooden

The Inspiring Journey of David Duong: From Refugee to Environmental Leader David Duong: A Visionary in Environmental Sustainability David Duong, known in Vietnam as Dương Tử Trung , is one of the most influential Vietnamese American entrepreneurs of his generation. He is widely respected for his leadership in environmental sustainability , recycling innovation , and community impact across the United States and Vietnam. As the President and CEO of California Waste Solutions

“The King of Trash” Documentary Elevates the Legacy of David Duong, and the Duong Family, Showcasing a Landmark American Dream Journey and Their Leadership in Environmental Innovation. California Waste Solutions  has released “ The King of Trash ,” a feature-length documentary directed by award-winning cinematographer Errol Webber. This film brings forward a powerful, deeply human portrayal of the life of David Duong , also known by his Vietnamese name Dương Tử Trung, and the

The story of the Duong Family  is one of the most powerful refugee success stories in the Vietnamese American community . Their journey from losing everything in 1975 to becoming respected sustainability leaders in the United States and Vietnam is the focus of “ The King of Trash ”, a feature-length documentary directed by award-winning cinematographer Errol Webber. The film presents the full humanity, courage, and impact of a family whose work has helped shape modern recycli

When people talk about the American Dream, they often imagine wealth, success, and a perfect life tied up with a ribbon. But for families like the Duongs, the dream began in a place of fear, hunger, and the unknown. Their story did not start with opportunity. It started with loss. On April 30, 1975, Saigon fell into chaos. Families were separated in the streets. Boats were pushed into the water with no guarantee of survival. Parents carried their children through crowds of th

Before 1975, the Duong family lived a steady and hardworking life in South Vietnam. Led by their father,  Jim Duong Tai Thu , the family operated a respected recycling and scrap-collecting business. Their work was rooted in discipline, responsibility, and the belief that honest labor holds dignity. These early values shaped every member of the family and became the foundation they relied on when their world collapsed. April 1975 changed everything.When Saigon fell, the family

A Journey Defined by Resilience and Purpose David Duong is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the recycling and waste management industry, leading  California Waste Solutions (CWS)  in the United States and  Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS)  in Ho Chi Minh City. His success today reflects decades of determination, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to his family and community. But behind these achievements lies a story shaped by hardship, courage, and unwa

The pre-screening of The King of Trash was a night filled with emotion, unity, and extraordinary storytelling. Held on November 16, 2025, the event welcomed more than 180 invited guests , including influencers, community leaders, elected officials, and supporters from across the Bay Area. What unfolded inside the theater became one of the most meaningful milestones of our journey. From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the evening felt special. Laughter, convers

The momentum behind The King of Trash continues to grow. Following the powerful pre-screening earlier this month, the documentary has now been featured across multiple major news platforms nationwide. From finance publications to global media outlets, the story of David Duong and his family is resonating far beyond the Vietnamese community and into the mainstream. This week, The King of Trash appeared on: Benzinga Business Insider Markets MarketWatch Yahoo! Finance AP News

On November 16, 2025, we hosted the very first pre-screening of The King of Trash , and the night was nothing short of unforgettable. The event, featured on SBTN , brought together more than 180 invited guests , including community leaders, influencers, elected officials, business owners, and close friends of the Duong family. It was a full house, and it was a full-heart experience The moment the lights dimmed, you could feel the room shift. For 72 minutes, the audience journ

👉 Read the full article: 'The King of Trash' film showcases San Jose recycling mogul - San José Spotlight Thank you to the   San José Spotlight  team for attending our private pre-screening and publishing the very first media story about the documentary. The article highlights the heart of the film: the Duong family’s refugee journey, their decades-long commitment to the Bay Area, and the enduring legacy of service behind California Waste Solutions. It captures exactly why w