Professional Role and Company Overview
David Duong is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of California Waste Solutions (CWS), a San Jose-based waste management and recycling company serving the Bay Area, including residential recycling collection services in Oakland and San Jose. Founded by Duong in 1992 as a competitor to Norcal Waste Systems, CWS has grown into a significant regional player in the solid waste management sector. The company is minority owned by the Duong family, with David Duong leading alongside his siblings—Kristina Duong as Chief Financial Officer and Victor Duong as Vice President.
California Waste Solutions has expanded its footprint beyond California through its affiliated company, Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS), where Duong also serves as President and CEO. VWS manages large-scale solid waste programs including collection services, landfills, recycling, and composting across Vietnam. Duong has led investments exceeding $150 million in VWS operations, positioning the company as a major player in Southeast Asian waste management infrastructure.
Industry Experience and Background
David Duong is a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur who arrived in the United States in 1979 after escaping the ravages of the Vietnam War. Over more than four decades, he has accumulated extensive expertise in waste management and recycling industries. Prior to founding California Waste Solutions, Duong gained senior management experience with Norcal Waste Systems (operating under Zanker Resource Management), including serving as Marketing Manager and General Manager.
His deep knowledge of waste collection, recycling operations, and industry economics is reflected in his long-term leadership of CWS and expansion into international markets. He is regarded as one of the most successful Vietnamese businessmen in the East Bay.
Key Corporate and Legal Developments
Since 2024, California Waste Solutions and David Duong have been involved in an ongoing federal investigation linked to bribery and corruption charges in Oakland municipal contracts. Key events include:
- Multiple raids in mid-2024 by the FBI on properties linked to Duong and the Duong family, as well as offices of CWS.
- Indictments issued in January 2025 indicting Duong for alleged bribery, conspiracy, and corruption related to Oakland recycling contracts, including accusations of attempting to bribe former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and involvement in election campaign financing.
- Legal proceedings have raised scrutiny regarding CWS's contracts and relationship with local Bay Area politics.
These allegations have cast uncertainty on the future of some municipal contracts held by CWS, with ongoing federal investigations continuing into 2025. Despite these challenges, Duong remains at the helm of the company.
Political and Community Engagement
David Duong is a longtime political donor and community supporter, particularly within Vietnamese-American circles in Silicon Valley. He has publicly supported candidates such as Madison Nguyen, former San Jose vice mayor, involved in District 2 elections.
Duong also holds leadership roles beyond his companies, serving as Chairman of the Vietnamese American Business Association (VABA), which focuses on business networking and community development initiatives.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Duong and the Duong family have engaged in philanthropic activities, including donations exceeding $100,000 (approximately VND 2.3 billion) directed toward Vietnamese causes. He has sought to "give back" to his country of origin through investments and charitable activities connected to Vietnam Waste Solutions.
In 2008, David Duong received the Bay Trade Global Award from The Bay Area World Trade Center, recognizing his contributions to international business and trade.
Summary Insights
David Duong leads a complex, multi-generational waste management enterprise deeply embedded in Bay Area communities and extending into international markets. His leadership experience spans operational management, strategic investments, political engagement, and philanthropy. The company’s current legal challenges concerning federal bribery allegations and associated scrutiny of city contracts represent significant operational and reputational risks.
Understanding Duong’s dual roles in the U.S. and Vietnam waste sectors, alongside his family's influential positioning in local politics and business, is critical to contextualizing his business strategy, decision-making environment, and stakeholder relationships. His expertise in the waste management market, coupled with his established community and political connections, underscores his capacity to influence regional waste management solutions, though these are currently tempered by ongoing legal complexities.
