California Waste Solutions Expands Vietnam Landfill into Waste-to-Energy Plant
News related to:Vietnam Waste Solutions · 2 min read
California Waste Solutions, the operator of Ho Chi Minh City's largest engineered landfill, is expanding its operations to include a 50- to 60-megawatt waste-to-energy plant and specialized recycling lines. The project, part of Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS), is a significant step in Vietnam's push towards a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050.
The $200 million investment in the Da Phuoc Integrated Solid Waste Facility (DPI) is aimed at converting the existing landfill into a comprehensive clean-power and resource-recovery complex. The facility, located outside Ho Chi Minh City, handles up to 6,500 tons of municipal solid waste daily, serving over half of the city's household waste.
Michael Duong, President of California Waste Solutions, emphasized the company's commitment to environmental innovation.
The project includes an expansion of the existing landfill-gas system, which has been producing electricity for years. The new waste-to-energy plant will generate an additional 50 to 60 megawatts of power, complemented by specialized recycling lines that will supplement the existing material-recovery systems.
The conversion of the Da Phuoc landfill is part of Vietnam's broader strategy to transition towards renewable energy. The facility will reduce the volume of residual material requiring long-term burial while recovering electricity from waste that cannot be economically reused or recycled. This initiative is expected to support the city's environmental protections and contribute to the country's net-zero target.
David Duong, founder and CEO of California Waste Solutions, explained the significance of the project.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with Vietnamese contractors, with whom California Waste Solutions has spent years working and training. The company aims to maintain a local workforce while leveraging international technology and expertise.
Since the 1990s, the Da Phuoc landfill has been a pioneer in Vietnam's waste management sector. It was built to U.S. Subtitle D standards, making it one of the country's most advanced waste facilities. The facility includes a dedicated leachate treatment system, water recycling infrastructure, and composting operations, all of which contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of the site.
The waste-to-energy plant is part of a broader strategy to enhance the facility's capabilities. The existing recycling systems will continue to operate, and the new specialized lines will complement these systems. The project is expected to be appraised and permitted over the coming months, with construction and operations managed by local contractors.
The Duong family's connection to the project dates back to the early days of the facility. David Duong, the founder of California Waste Solutions, brought American and European environmental technology and operating experience to Vietnam, allowing the company to build infrastructure with the long-term growth of Ho Chi Minh City in mind.
The second generation of the Duong family is now involved in carrying the company's operating platform forward. Michael Duong, the president of California Waste Solutions, and his siblings Kristina, Johnny, and Victor, are leading the company's operations, finance, public affairs, and strategy.
The expansion of the Da Phuoc Integrated Solid Waste Facility (DPI) is a significant milestone in Vietnam's journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. It underscores the company's commitment to environmental innovation and its role in supporting Vietnam's net-zero target.