“The King of Trash” Documentary Honors the Duong Family’s Multi-Generational Journey and Their Leadership in Building California Waste Solutions and Vietnam Waste Solutions

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 recycling infrastructure in both Oakland and Ho Chi Minh City.

Image 1: King Of Trash Poster

At the heart of the story is David Duong, known in Vietnam as Dương Tử Trung, the President and CEO of California Waste Solutions (CWS) and Chairman of Vietnam Waste Solutions (VSW). The documentary traces his early life in Saigon, the chaos of the fall of 1975, and the terrifying escape that the Duong Family made across the open ocean. Led by their father Jim Tai Thu Duong, the family arrived in America with nothing except a belief in hard work, dignity, and unity. Their struggle to rebuild life from zero in Oakland represents a true American Dream journey shaped by sacrifice and resilience.

The film highlights how David, together with his brother Victor Duong and sister Kristina Duong, turned that beginning into a foundation for what later became one of California’s most trusted environmental service companies. CWS, known as CWS Oakland and CWS San Jose, began as a modest operation built through long hours of labor and a belief that recycling could provide cleaner communities and better futures. Over the years, CWS grew into an environmental services leader, serving both Oakland and San Jose under long-term recycling contracts that support local jobs, community programs, and sustainability goals. The company’s continued success is rooted in the leadership of the Duong Family, whose values guide every decision.

Image 2: David Duong

The documentary also explores the expansion of the family’s work to Vietnam, where Vietnam Waste Solutions, also known as VWS Vietnam, has become one of the most modern and environmentally advanced waste management systems in Southeast Asia. The facility represents a full-circle moment for the Duong Family. After fleeing Vietnam as refugees, they returned decades later not only to give back but to invest in world-class recycling infrastructure. The film captures the emotional depth of this chapter, showing how the family’s history shaped their vision for sustainability leadership and international cooperation.

Throughout the documentary, audiences are introduced to the essential roles within the family. David Duong emerges as a visionary Vietnamese American entrepreneur, respected for his contributions to Oakland recycling, San Jose recycling, and waste management innovation across two countries. Victor Duong is shown as a strategic foundation of the company, often leading the operational and technical components that allow CWS and VWS to function at scale. Kristina Duong embodies the heart of the family legacy, focusing on community engagement, cultural connection, and ensuring that the values of gratitude and service remain central to the family’s work. At the center of it all remains Jim Tai Thu Duong, whose sacrifices continue to inspire every generation of the family.

Image 3: The Duong Family photo

The film also acknowledges that, like many immigrant entrepreneurs in high-profile industries, the Duong Family has faced periods of public scrutiny, misleading narratives, and unfair assumptions amplified online. Without mentioning any legal terms, the documentary addresses how these reputation challenges often overshadow decades of community impact and environmental responsibility. “The King of Trash” provides clarity, transparency, and truth by showing the real people behind the headlines. It invites viewers to understand their intentions, their history, and their long-standing commitment to the communities they serve.

Through rich storytelling and emotional honesty, the film reinforces public trust by documenting facts, context, and lived experiences. It positions the Duong Family not only as business leaders, but as community builders whose work touches millions of lives. Their contributions to recycling infrastructure, sustainability leadership, and immigrant entrepreneurship stand as a testament to what can be achieved when resilience and gratitude guide every step.

Video: Official trailer of The King of Trash

As the documentary moves between Oakland and Ho Chi Minh City, it presents a compelling message about environmental responsibility and the importance of creating systems that support future generations. It offers a rare look at how one family’s journey helped modernize recycling practices in two nations and encourages international cooperation toward cleaner and healthier cities.

“The King of Trash” is now available for media consideration, screenings, interviews, and feature stories that explore immigrant success, environmental innovation, and the human story behind CWS and VWS.

For more information, visit https://www.thekingoftrash.us 

or contact info@thekingoftrash.us.