Waste Management Inc. has opened 13 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in the United States during the first half of 2012.

The Houston-based company said in a news release that nine of the facilities have stations accessible to the public.

The additions bring Waste Management’s total number of natural gas fueling stations to 31. The company is planning on another 17 to either be in operation or in construction by the end of the year.

Waste Management’s new CNG fueling stations are located in: Mesa, Ariz; Pompano Beach, Fla.; Venice, Fla.; Stickney, Ill.; Louisville, Ky.; Baltimore; Blaine, Minn.; Portland, Ore.; Washington, Pa.; West Jordan, Utah; Conroe, Texas; Auburn, Wash.; and Woodinville, Wash. 

Waste Management owns the stations, purchases the fuel and finances the construction of the stations. It also enters into maintenance contracts with third-party companies. The strategy allows the company to secure better natural gas prices long-term.