Firefighters Respond
Fifteen fire engines and about 100 firefighters have been called to tackle the blaze on Landman Way in Deptford.
Canadian fire officials note that similar incidents at waste sites have prompted stricter regulations in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. The incident serves as a caution for municipalities across North America to review emergency response plans for industrial fires.
Local residents have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed where possible.
Footage online shows large plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, with the blaze seen for miles across London.
Locals gathered around the facility to film the huge blaze on their mobile phones, as flames ripped through the building.
Speaking from the scene, Station Commander Duncan Rees said: "Crews are working hard in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control.
"One of the Brigade's 32m ladders and a 64m ladder are both being used as a water towers to tackle the flames from above.
A large amount of smoke is being produced by the incident. Local residents should keep doors and windows closed where possible.
Transport Disruption
Rail services into London Bridge have been impacted as crews work to bring the fire under control.
National Rail has said some lines between New Cross and London Bridge are currently blocked.
The blaze pictured by a passerby on a train may cause cancellations or delays as crews remain on the scene.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Passengers travelling between London Blackfriars and East Croydon have been advised to allow an extra 30 minutes to complete their journey. Services on this route are being diverted and will not call at London Bridge.
Thameslink services running on the diversion route will be subject to delays of at least 15 minutes, National Rail has said.
The Brigade took the first of over 160 calls reporting the incident at 1959, and crews from East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, Deptford and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: "London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the blaze on Landman Way, in Deptford, involves about 50 tonnes of household waste stored at a waste facility.
The force were first called just before 8pm, and crews from East Greenwich, Old Kent Road, Deptford and surrounding fire stations went to the scene.
People have been asked to keep their doors and windows closed where possible because of the large amount of smoke.
The cause of the blaze is unknown.