What's the deal with the recycling?

Just a question about if I'm doing something wrong here. Anytime I leave out my recycling bin for the regular pickup it gets ignored but the small bin will be emptied. I was told its because I have to remove the lid on my recycling bin or else they wont pick it up.

Is that serious? There's no way in my mind that simply taking the lid off a bin would make a difference, plus leaving it out with no lid would invite critters. The trash does not have this problem. Am I missing something?

edit: thanks guys looks like I gotta buy the special bins for our special boys