Who Is David Duong? The Story Behind The King of Trash

Nov 18, 2025
3 min read

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 unwavering belief in rebuilding from nothing — a journey captured in the documentary The King of Trash.

From South Vietnam to a Life Uprooted

David grew up in a family that transformed discarded materials into economic opportunity. His father, Jim Duong Tai Thu, was known for his resourcefulness and entrepreneurship, operating a respected recycling business in Saigon.

Everything changed in April 1975.When the city fell, the Duong family lost their business, home, and stability overnight. With no future left in their homeland, they fled by sea — a journey filled with danger and uncertainty.

Their survival was not just physical; it was emotional and spiritual. It was rooted in the belief that if they stayed together, they could rebuild their lives somewhere new.

Starting Again in America With Absolutely Nothing

After months in refugee camps, the Duong family arrived in San Francisco with no money, no English, and no guarantee of survival. They lived in a small apartment shared by multiple families and returned to the work they understood best — collecting scrap materials.

David pushed heavy carts through the streets, worked long hours in the cold, and learned every part of the trade by hand. These early years taught him the value of humility, discipline, and gratitude. Every moment of struggle became part of the foundation that shaped him as a leader.

Building California Waste Solutions From the Ground Up

Over time, the family saw opportunity in California’s growing environmental movement. What started as survival gradually transformed into innovation. Under David’s leadership, California Waste Solutions became a trusted partner for major cities such as Oakland and San Jose, building modern recycling infrastructure and setting new standards for sustainability.

The success of CWS was not luck. It was the result of decades of labor, family unity, and the principles passed down from his father: work hard, treat people fairly, and always deliver more than expected.

Returning to Vietnam to Build Something Meaningful

As CWS expanded, David began exploring ways to bring modern waste management systems to Vietnam. This initiative led to the development of Vietnam Waste Solutions, a major environmental project serving millions of residents in Ho Chi Minh City.

For David, this work represented more than business. It allowed him to contribute to the country that shaped him, create jobs for local communities, and help improve environmental standards for future generations.

Facing Challenges With Courage and Integrity

Like many leaders who build large companies and serve multiple communities, David has faced challenging moments in recent years. These moments have tested his strength, his reputation, and his resilience.

But anyone who knows him — employees, partners, friends, and community members — knows one thing clearly:

David does not give up.He does not hide.He continues to lead, continues to work, and continues to fight for his name, his family, and the legacy they built over half a century.

He remains focused on what he has always valued most: serving the community, staying grounded, and moving forward with integrity and strength.

A Life Story Now Captured on Film

The King of Trash tells the full emotional arc of the Duong family’s journey — from the fall of Saigon to the open sea, from refugee camps to the streets of San Francisco, and ultimately to becoming leaders in environmental sustainability.

Directed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Errol Webber, the film reveals the humanity behind David’s story: the losses, the rebuilding, the family bond, and the resilience that shaped generations.

Why David’s Story Continues to Inspire Many

People connect to David’s story not because of his success, but because of everything he survived to get there. His life reflects the values shared by countless immigrants and refugees:

perseverance through difficulty
gratitude for opportunity
commitment to family
courage to rebuild
responsibility to give back

Even now, as he faces challenges, he continues to stand tall — with dignity, with calm, and with the same spirit that helped him rebuild after 1975.

A Journey Still Being Written

Today, David Duong remains a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of resilience for the Vietnamese diaspora and the broader community. His journey continues, shaped by both triumphs and trials, but always guided by the strength and values that carried him from a war-torn childhood to international success.

His story is a reminder that true leadership is defined not only by achievements, but by how one rises during difficult times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJX7-2031yY