The Duong Family Legacy: From Family Values to Industry Leadership

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 remained closely involved in the company’s operations and long-term vision.

Building a Business with Purpose

The Duong family’s journey began with humble beginnings. Like many immigrant families who arrived in the United States seeking opportunity, they started by doing whatever work was available. Recycling and resource recovery, collecting bottles, cardboard, and other materialsb ecame the foundation of their early business efforts.

Over time, those small efforts grew into a company dedicated to providing reliable recycling and environmental services for local communities. In 1992, David Duong founded California Waste Solutions, building on years of experience and a clear vision for responsible waste management.

From the beginning, the company focused not only on operations but also on the people and communities it serves.

Leadership Rooted in Values

The Duong family’s leadership style has always emphasized a few core principles:

Respect for hard work. Every role, from drivers and sorters to managers and executives—plays a vital part in keeping communities clean and recycling systems running effectively.

Long-term thinking. Environmental services require investments that support sustainability and community well-being for years to come.

Commitment to community. CWS has built strong partnerships with cities, schools, and local organizations to support recycling education and environmental awareness.

These principles have helped guide the company’s growth while maintaining the values that shaped its early beginnings.

A Multi-Generational Vision

Today, the Duong family continues to play an active role in guiding the company forward. Their leadership reflects a long-term vision for environmental stewardship, innovation in recycling, and responsible resource management.

Beyond California, the family has also expanded its environmental efforts internationally through Vietnam Waste Solutions, helping address waste management challenges in growing urban areas.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

For the Duong family, California Waste Solutions has always been about more than business. It represents a commitment to building something meaningful—an organization that serves communities, protects the environment, and creates opportunities for future generations.

Their journey reflects a simple but powerful idea: with perseverance, vision, and a strong sense of responsibility, a family business can grow into something that benefits not only a company, but the communities around it.