UPDATED 1.46pm: Large black plumes of smoke can be seen across Hamilton after a fire broke out.

The fire, containing a number of plastics and televisions, has now been brought under control.

Assistant fire area commander Daryl Trim asked people to keep their windows and doors closed if they were affected by the toxic smoke sweeping west across the city.

The blaze was about 10m x 10m, Mr Trim said.

Environment Waikato staff had also just arrived on the scene.

The fire began at Planet Recycling however its owner was not present at the scene.

Explosions were heard from the blaze.