Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers dealt with a fire at a waste recycling centre in Hepscott Road, Hackney Wick.
A warehouse containing around 15,000 tonnes of mixed household waste was alight.
Smoke from the blaze blew across the A12 and drivers were urged to take extra care. Residents in the area were also advised to keep windows and doors shut.
The Brigade was called at 2328 yesterday. Fire crews from Leyton, Stoke Newington, Homerton and Bethnal Green fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.