ANNOUNCEMENT: Repurposed Waders is Officially a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
From the banks of our favorite Maine rivers to the growing support of the fly fishing community, there’s been a lot of buzz over the past twelve months surrounding our newest endeavor—Repurposed Waders. What began as a passion project tied to our deep-rooted values at Maine Fly Company has grown into something with the power to create real, lasting environmental change.
Today, we are thrilled to officially announce that Repurposed Waders is now a recognized 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. This was no small feat. In a landscape packed with national fly fishing nonprofits—each with their own set of agendas and bureaucratic hurdles—we decided to forge our own path. We built something that reflects our mission directly, without dilution, and with our rivers and community at the very center. We didn’t want to simply align with someone else’s vision. We created a nonprofit that is the vision.
Why Repurposed Waders?
The mission is simple: keep old waders out of landfills. Our research indicates that between one and three million pairs of waders are discarded each year in the U.S. alone. That’s a staggering number. These waders—made from neoprene, rubber, and various synthetic laminates—don’t just disappear. They pile up in landfills and contribute to long-term environmental damage.
We saw that reality and chose to act. Repurposed Waders was born out of that awareness and out of a desire to give anglers a better, greener alternative. We asked ourselves: What if we could give those worn-out waders new life? And the answer is: we can—and now, we officially do.
What Being a 501(c)(3) Means
Becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit opens new doors—for us, for our partners, and for anyone who wants to be a part of this mission. It allows us to accept tax-deductible donations, form collaborative partnerships, and apply for grants to further expand our reach. It gives our supporters confidence that every dollar, every pair of waders, and every hour of effort goes directly toward the environmental goals we’re all passionate about.
It also means we’re here to stay. This isn't a side project or a seasonal campaign. Repurposed Waders is now a permanent part of the Maine Fly Company family—built for longevity, powered by community, and committed to conservation.
How You Can Help
This one’s easy: instead of tossing your old waders in the trash, consider sending them to us. We take care of the rest. Whether they get repurposed into new products, reused for educational programs, or upcycled into something completely different, your old gear doesn’t have to become waste. It can become part of a movement.
