For most people, recycling trucks are simply part of the daily rhythm of the city. They arrive early in the morning, collect materials from the curb, and move on to the next street. But behind every truck is a skilled driver whose job requires focus, patience, and a strong commitment to safety. At California Waste Solutions (CWS) , safety on the road is a top priority. Drivers navigate residential streets, busy intersections, and tight spaces every day while operating large v

Behind California Waste Solutions (CWS)  is a family story that spans generations. Founded by David Duong , the company reflects the values and leadership principles that have guided the Duong family for decades, hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving the community. What began as a small recycling business has grown into one of the leading family-owned environmental service companies in Northern California. Throughout that growth, the Duong family has remaine

Building a more sustainable future starts with awareness. At California Waste Solutions (CWS) , community education is an important part of that effort, and engaging young people is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact. As part of its broader community outreach, CWS participates in school visits and local events where students can learn about recycling and environmental responsibility in a fun and engaging way. These activities help introduce children to

Behind every successful company is a story of determination, resilience, and vision. For California Waste Solutions (CWS) , that story begins with its founder and CEO, David Duong —a leader whose journey from humble beginnings to building one of Northern California’s leading recycling companies reflects both perseverance and a deep commitment to community. CWS Founder and CEO - David Duong Today, CWS is recognized as one of the leading recycling and environmental service comp

Have you ever wondered what happens to the items you place in your recycling cart? Every day, recycling collected from Oakland residents is brought to the California Waste Solutions (CWS) facility , where it begins the process of being sorted and prepared for reuse. The Journey of Your Recycling After collection trucks gather recyclables from neighborhoods across the city, the materials are delivered to the facility and unloaded onto the tipping floor. From there, they move o

Recycling is one of the easiest ways we can reduce waste, but it only works when materials are prepared properly. Many people are surprised to learn that the average person throws away more than four pounds of waste every day. Recycling helps keep many of those materials out of landfills and gives them a second life. The good news is that recycling correctly is simple. It just starts with a few easy habits at home. Start with a Simple Sorting System Before anything reaches th

Recycling doesn’t start at the recycling facility—it begins at home. The way we sort and prepare our waste determines whether materials can actually be recycled or whether they end up in a landfill instead. When residents recycle correctly, valuable materials can be recovered, reused, and returned to the economy. One of the biggest challenges in recycling programs today is contamination . When non-recyclable items, food residue, or plastic bags are mixed with recyclables, it

When people think about climate change, they often focus on energy, transportation, or industry. But waste management also plays a major role. What happens to the materials we throw away—especially food waste and recyclables can significantly affect greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and composting are two simple but powerful ways communities can reduce environmental impact while recovering valuable resources. Composting circle Recycling Saves Energy and Resources Recycling

Recycling is no longer simply about waste collection; it has become a cornerstone of modern environmental policy and sustainable urban development. Across California, cities, businesses, and communities are working together to transform how materials are managed, reused, and reintegrated into the economy. As the demand for sustainable infrastructure grows, recycling companies play a critical role in helping communities reduce landfill dependence, conserve natural resources, a