DAVID DUONG (DƯƠNG TỬ TRUNG): A LIFE OF RESILIENCE, LEADERSHIP, AND ENVIRONMENTAL VISION
- wendynguyen67
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 15
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 and the Chairman of Vietnam Waste Solutions, he has spent decades building systems that support cleaner cities, stronger communities, and long-term environmental responsibility. His life story, featured in the documentary The King of Trash, is a testament to survival, dedication, and the belief that the American Dream is built through service.
Who Is David Duong (Dương Tử Trung)?
David Duong is a Vietnamese American entrepreneur whose leadership has shaped environmental infrastructure for millions of people. As the head of California Waste Solutions, he oversees major recycling services in Oakland and San Jose, often referred to as CWS Oakland and CWS San Jose. His company plays a vital role in Oakland recycling, San Jose recycling, and community-based sustainability programs. In Vietnam, he leads Vietnam Waste Solutions, also known as VWS Vietnam, one of the most advanced environmental service facilities in the region.
Over his career, David Duong has become a symbol of immigrant entrepreneurship, bridging cultures and countries through shared goals of environmental responsibility and modern waste management. He is widely recognized as a community leader, a builder of long-term partnerships, and a champion for sustainable development in both the United States and Vietnam.
Early Life and Refugee Journey
David Duong’s story begins in the turmoil of the Vietnam War. Born into hardship, he grew up witnessing the cost of conflict on families and communities. In April 1975, during the fall of Saigon, the Duong Family, led by their father Jim Tai Thu Duong, made the life-altering decision to escape Vietnam. Their journey across the sea and through refugee camps represents one of the most difficult chapters in their history. It is a journey marked by fear, courage, and a simple wish for survival.
When the family finally arrived in America, they stepped onto unfamiliar ground with no money, no language, and no resources. They relocated to Oakland, where they began rebuilding life from nothing. The values handed down by Jim Tai Thu Duong shaped every decision the family made. Hard work, unity, integrity, and gratitude became the pillars that carried them from survival into success. Their story is one of the most inspiring refugee success stories, built on the belief that hardship can become strength when a family stands together.
The Founding of California Waste Solutions (CWS)
The creation of California Waste Solutions began with the Duong Family’s determination to build a business that served the community. Through small recycling operations and long hours, David Duong and his siblings laid the foundation for what would become a leading environmental services provider in the Bay Area.
Over the years, CWS Oakland and CWS San Jose grew into trusted long-term partners for the City of Oakland and the City of San Jose. Their recycling systems support thousands of households, provide local jobs, and strengthen environmental programs mandated by California’s sustainability goals. Under David Duong’s leadership, California Waste Solutions earned a reputation as an environmental sustainability leader, prioritizing innovation, accountability, and community empowerment. Today, California Waste Solutions is recognized as a company that stands with its cities, not just as a contractor, but as a dedicated partner focused on environmental responsibility.
The Creation and Impact of Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS)
Guided by gratitude to the country that raised him and love for the country that carried his roots, David Duong founded Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS) with a vision of bringing world-class recycling technology to Vietnam. VWS Vietnam now operates one of Southeast Asia’s most modern waste management systems, serving Ho Chi Minh City and supporting Vietnam’s long-term environmental goals.
Through VWS, the Duong Family introduced innovative waste processing facilities, clean-energy initiatives, and sustainable infrastructure designed to support future generations. The project stands as a landmark in Vietnam’s environmental development and remains a symbol of inspiration for many.
Family Leadership and Multi-Generational Vision
The strength of the Duong Family continues through the leadership of Victor Duong and Kristina Duong. Victor plays a key role in strategy, infrastructure, and operations across CWS and VWS, ensuring that systems meet the highest standards of recycling innovation and environmental safety. Kristina leads community engagement and cultural legacy initiatives that connect the family’s work to broader community impact.
At the heart of the family’s story is Jim Tai Thu Duong, the father whose sacrifices made everything possible. His resilience shaped their values. His courage remains their guiding light.
Facing Scrutiny with Integrity
As with many high-profile immigrant entrepreneurs, David Duong has faced periods of public misunderstanding, misleading narratives, and intense scrutiny. These challenges never defined his legacy. Instead, they revealed his strength of character. David Duong continues to move forward with transparency, dignity, and commitment to service. His body of work speaks louder than any misinterpretation.
The King of Trash Documentary
Directed by award-winning cinematographer Errol Webber, The King of Trash brings the Duong Family’s full journey to the screen. The film is a sweeping, cinematic record of their escape from Vietnam, their rebuilding of life in Oakland, and their creation of CWS and VWS Vietnam. It presents a truthful, humanizing narrative that honors their resilience and clarifies misunderstandings with honesty and compassion. The documentary is both a tribute to the past and an invitation to understand the values that drive their work today.
For interviews, features, screenings, or community partnerships:
Website: https://www.thekingoftrash.us
Email: info@thekingoftrash.us
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